Robin Hood, St Albans Central, St. Albans

Very traditional-looking pub, handily located on the walking route between the main station and city centre. However, the interior comes as a surprise because it's been opened out and significantly refurbished. Semi-modern furniture in the main seating area between the bow window and the gloomier central counter section, with an elongated lounge further back that benefits from the glazed doors leading to the rear patio garden. There was a Harvey's tap takeover on when I called in, with Sussex, Old Ale (£2.60, half) and Pell's Pale on the three handpumps, along with Prince of Denmark (£3.00, half) from a cask perched on the counter. A good selection of ciders is available too.

My first visit to this award winning pub. For the CAMRA Members weekend there's a tap takeover here by Harvey's of Lewes, but since Sussex Best is a regular beer here, this amounted to just one additional beer from them, while they wait for the non-Harvey's beer to run off (when it will be replaced by Harveys Old Ale). The Sussex Best is in great condition (NBSS 4) and the Pells Pale 3.7% not far behind, but there is something about the Harvey's yeast that doesn't suit my palate - too sweet, I think. (I have a similar problem with Theakston Best Bitter.) This is a gorgeous pub, stretching back from the street towards the garden, with wide windows front and back allowing plenty of light to reach towards the bar. There's a jukebox and a bar billiards table (£1 per game) and a plethora of old pump clips on the beams everywhere. Well worth a visit, and not far from the station if just passing through.