Farriers Arms, St Albans Central, St. Albans

Traditional backstreet L-shaped boozer that was packed on our early Sunday evening visit. Many were in to watch a live football match on a TV in one corner where the dartboard is also situated. The atmosphere was also made a bit more lively by a group of well-oiled Norwegians who were doing a tour of the city's pubs. There are old pictures of St Albans on the walls. Dogs are welcome. Although one was causing a bit of an obstruction in what was already a confined space. At the bar, there were 3 cask ales - Oakham Citra, Young's Ordinary & Timothy Taylor Landlord. The local CAMRA people like this, as their branch held their first meeting here. I liked it, as it is a typical no-frills local with a lively atmosphere.

I heard that this 'birthplace of CAMRA' pub was under threat of closure so thought I'd pay a visit. Still operating strongly with four handpumps and a good selection of beers, if a bit pricey at £4.60. It was tied to McMullans until 2013 when they sold it to the sitting tenants. They are now looking to retire and the place is on the market. One would hope that this historic pub in an historic town will remain as a pub.

I got a warm welcome upon arriving at this classic back street local’s boozer, with the crowd of blokes at the bar quickly dragging me into their conversation about the cricket, which they were avidly watching on a screen at the end of the room. I suppose in a way, it’s tricky not to get wrapped up in conversation here, as the front bar is very compact, with limited bench seating around the perimeter and most customers stood or perched on a stool at the bar. The room is bare boarded and has the servery running pretty much the full length of the back wall, with half-frosted sash windows allowing a decent amount of light in. A McMullen’s Brewery sign on one wall introduces the licensees, which struck me as a little unusual, and I also spotted a nice little burner in a fireplace to the right, a dartboard in one corner and a large plain mirror above the fire. The bar has a tongue and groove counter front and a smart, traditional bar back lined with various bank notes, pint pots and pump clips, with a few enamel drink advertisements around the door to the left. This leads through to a larger rear lounge, accessed via a notably high single step. This room has half panelled walls, exposed floorboards and a few tatty old rugs plus a selection of bench and chair seating options. Old photographs, drawings and brewery mirrors compete for attention on the walls and the room has its own, very small, bar counter in the front corner. From here you can head out to a small, colourful beer garden with just one table and a rather ‘earthy’ outdoor toilet block. I would never have guessed this pub was in anyway affiliated with McMullen’s from the ale range, which comprised McMullen’s Country, Skinners Betty Stogs, St Austell Tribute and Oakham Citra. The latter was competitively priced compared to other pubs I’d visited that day, with a pint coming in at £3.80 and in excellent shape to boot. This was the pick of the seven pubs I visited in St Albans on my most recent crawl and I would rank it up there as one of the best in the entire city. I found the classic local’s boozer vibe right up my street and felt very comfortable settling down in the front bar between all the locals whilst enjoying a great pint. It is perhaps a little too ‘blokey’ to appeal to everyone, but I really enjoyed the place and look forward to a return visit.

Small, locals, back street bar. Good choice of ales.... rarely seen Betty Stogs in great condition. Found the staff very pleasant! Visit blogged at http://bit.ly/2tMDBNJ