The Goat, St. Albans

This former coaching inn dating back to 1587 is tucked away in a quiet back street but is just a short walk from the City centre. It originally boasted the largest stabling in St Albans accommodating up to 72 horses even though there was only room for 10 people to stay at the inn itself. The rambling and quite spacious interior is roughly split into 4 areas around a central bar, all having plenty of character with open fires and numerous old pictures. One section contains a bar billiards table and dart board as well as a huge selection of traditional board games. Despite being a Young’s pub, they do have a rotating selection of guest beers although on our visit there were only 3 ales (Ordinary, Special and Everard’s Tiger) and a cider (Old Rosie) across the 9 hand pumps. Sport is shown although the source of the broadcast may not be totally above board. To the rear is a patio although as beer gardens go, it isn’t anything special. They have a good reputation for its food although the restaurant side of things was quite underplayed and, unlike some pubs, there were not huge swathes of tables laid out for diners. A pretty decent pub and one I would certainly recommend although the ale choice on my visit was a bit limited.

The entrance leads to the bar area, left to another room with a bar billiards table, panelled walls and books on a high shelf, a TV also sits high up in the corner. A large selection of board games are available. Beyond are two further drinking areas off the back of the bar, very comfortable and traditional with hops entwined along the picture rail. A great welcoming pub with a good atmosphere, justifiably busy last night. The traditional looking food menu includes the like of beef stew, pie of the day, gammon egg & chips and a curry, generally around 9 quid. St Austell Tribute, Spitfire, Deuchars IPA and Tring Colleys Dog on offer; tasters offered by the staff. First rate!