The Goat, St. Albans

As previously mentioned this pub tucked away on Sopwell Lane has a bit of the ‘tardis’ effect going on and is significantly bigger inside than it looks from the terraced frontage. It is two main bar areas either side of a large square serving area, and as both front and back sections have sets of handpumps on all full circuit has to be done to see what’s on. The back section stretches back a fair way and has several distinct seating areas before leading out to the spacious enclosed garden. In fact it stretches so far back that you can enter the pub via a back alley way from the parallel Albert Street. But the front bar section is the most characterful with its bar billiard table and large collection of assorted board games. Like the others had to go for the Redemption Big Chief and it was in fine form

I quite liked this one, it has a good community feel about the place,a two bar pub which boasts a Bar Billiards table, always good to see. The Redemption Big Chief was the pick of the beers and was very good,the other beers were toward the ordinary end of the spectrum , Youngs Bitter, Tribute and Bombadier. Its a pub I would happily call into again.

Decent old side-street pub, with a relatively plain façade but plenty of character within the various rooms of differing sizes arranged around the central bar area. Traditional furniture and decor throughout, and bar billiards table and a dartboard also noted. Four reals on handpump when we visited: Youngs Ordinary, Tribute, Bombardier (£1.90, half) and Redemption Big Chief. Only had time for the briefest of stops on this occasion, but would certainly go back again when I have more time available.

I liked this pub, the two young barmaids, were very welcoming and friendly and my Redemption Big Chief was in great shape. The large rear lounge, was comfortable looking and mainly set out for dining. A pub worth seeking out, especially if they serve up a decent Thai meal.

A good sized, traditional pub just off the High Street, it no doubt misses out much in the way of passing trade and casual visitors, and was in fact almost deserted apart from our group on a recent Friday afternoon visit. It consists of a couple of bars along the front of the pub, the left hand one being more of a public bar with bar billiards and a darts board. There was also a large plasma screen on the wall, although fortunately this was not in use on our visit. An extensive selection of board games were piled up near the bar and there was also a small shelf of books. Décor wise it’s quite traditional with a few tiles on the floor around the bar, and red patterned carpet elsewhere. There was also some wood panelling on the walls. To the right was a smaller bar that felt much cosier, with thick beams on the ceiling including a few strings of fairly lights, and a large brick fire-place. A small TV was mounted on the wall above this which looked slightly out of place perhaps, but this too was turned off. A further bar was at the rear, although I did not investigate this other than checking that the beer selection was the same as on the front bar. Food is apparently offered, and although I did not see a menu I did notice a board advertising some Thai options. Beers on tap were Tribute, Bombardier, Youngs Bitter and Redemption Big Chief. Ciders meanwhile were Old Rosie and Stowford Press.

A tardis pub with a much larger section behind the island bar,handpumps on both sides but do walk around before choosing to see the full range.On my trip that meant a real cider,St Austell Tribute,CW Bombardier & Youngs Bitter and the excellent Redemption Big Chief which seems to be a regular and sufficient for me to always call in ! The decor is worn but welcoming with lots of wood panelling and traditional furniture.Sunday carvery and evening Thai meals are available and there are some benches in a rear courtyard for good weather.One of several small terraced pubs in this part of the city,worth visiting on any crawl.

Another low beamed traditional back street pub with an older clientele. Tribute, Bombardier.Eagle bitter and Big Chief which was good.Dull and quiet.

A characterful old building, with furnishings and atmosphere to match. There are four hand pumps on the bar, serving Youngs Winter Warmer, Wells Eagle IPA, St Austell Tribute and Redemption Big Chief. I didn't fancy the latter, with its NZ hops and 5.5%, and ended up with anonymous Eagle, at a suitable strength for a pub crawl. My notes made at the time say that this was not as good a beer as I'd had at the nearby Garibaldi, but then it is Charles Wells Eagle, after all. There's a nice homely, scruffy feel to this pub, with (slightly) battered sofas near the (gas) fire and piles of board games for anyone who feels unable to make conversation.