The Peahen, St Albans Central, St. Albans

Large modernised McMullens bar, irregular in shape, with various different seating areas. Substantial patio beer garden in courtyard to rear. Slightly anonymous atmosphere not really helped by the background jazz music. Two handpumps offering Country and the seasonal (£3.25).

The Peahen has a late license until midnight on Thursdays and 1am on Fridays and Saturdays which is why there is a bouncer working the door on these days. It was filling up very quickly during my early Saturday evening visit and when I walked past at about 21:30 a queue had formed outside and a ‘one in one out’ system was in operation. The management here must be raking in the money for Mcmullens as it is a very big pub to fill. In amongst the sea of standard draught taps I did spot two hand pumps that were drawing Mcmullen Cask Ale and Royal Wedding Ale. I plumped for the Guinness which was well served in a timely manor considering the queue at the bar. Food is available from around the £9 mark, but I didn’t eat or see anyone else doing so. There is a courtyard out the back that I think is mainly used by smokers. I suppose that I would have no problem returning here if passing, but there are better pubs in the local area.

Official site of the Peahen, contains menus, wine list and event details - www.peahen.co.uk

Peahen pages at the McMullens site - www.mcmullens.co.uk

Official site of the Peahen, contains menus, wine list and event details - www.peahen.co.uk

Peahen pages at the McMullens site - www.mcmullens.co.uk

Large Corner pub with a commanding position on the London Road traffic light junction in the middle of St Albans. It's a McMullens house which has undergone one of the modern light wood décor makeovers which many McMullen pubs have fallen foul of. But this one works better than most with plenty of seating areas either end of a large standing area in front of the main bar. Quite lively on the early Friday evening of my visit, two McMullen ales on which were perfectly fine, and no problems encountered with service as there several uniformed bar staff in action. There was also door staff in operation checking ages, I think for over 21, but as it is a long time since that sort of thing affected me cannot confirm exactly. Found it a decent enough place to meet up and have a few beers before moving on, but not enough character or soul to motivate me to spend an entire evening here.