The Spotted Dog, St. Albans

Dropped by recently with the intention of supporting a new venture in a reopened pub. I have to confess to being a little disappointed, the pub is marketed as a free house but just Courage Best, Badger Sussex Best and Pickled Partridge. The Partridge may well be pickled but having a vinegary tang was I thought taking the description a little far. The entrance leads into a room with the bar opposite, a side door leads to another space with a serving hatch, but mind the step down, easily missed as its on the line of the door. Decor seems rather random, a hotch potch of pictures, non matching furniture etc. A strange ambience, the lighting is quite bright, and I found the clientele a little unsettling, even if not threatening, and the constant moving in and out and shouting between the bar and outdoor smoking gazebo rather irritating. I'm glad its reopened and provides a service but not to my taste sadly.

On an October 2009 visit the Spotted Dog was closed for repairs following a fire. It was covered in scaffolding and half the roof was off. There didn't seem to be much structural damage but clearly a lot of work was going to be required. I've not been able to find any further news but hopefully they can get it open again soon if it's not already.