The Swan, St. Albans

Stumbled into Wheathampstead, 13 miles after setting off from Hertford. Must be getting good at sniffing out the best places. Camra Good Beer Guide Entry and Cask Marque accredited - a classic example of a British Boozer. Four or five real alses on - I went for the TT Landlord. Fine Nick. Visit blogged at http://bit.ly/2lITIH5

Having stopped of for a after work drink at the swan a few times, I feel the need to write a review. The Swan is a cosy comfortable friendly little pub. At the time I normally arrive it is late afternoon and the locals are like me unwinding from a days work. More then often I have been suitably entertained with the antics of the locals and the effervescent dark haired barmaid who engages easily with them and the other customers. Sadly on my last 2 previous visits I was greeted by a rather morose young man who seemed like it was more of an effort to serve customers then a privalige. The clientele varies from some cheery locals to passers through (like me)enjoying a quiet pint. There are a range of ales and lagers thankfully Kronenborg is included in the lagers. On a negative note the toilets leave a lot to be desired and whilst I was there, a customer possibly a regular old man smelt highly of urine and had obviously defacated himself. Not really ideal for those with a delicate nose and weak stomach. Aside from that it is a great little pub.

A Grade II listed building ,The Swan has a very traditional feel.There are two entrances,one from the main road,the other from the car park and these lead into a carpeted L shaped interior.The oldest part is to the front of the building and there is a step down to reach the handpumps with large oak beams supporting the ceiling.This lower bar area has traditional tables set up for dining,and a couple of fireplaces while the larger higher section seems more for drinkers and has a darts board,two flat screens ,a games machine and fruit machine.Lots of old nick nacks are dotted around the interior.There is a friendly Northern welcome from behind the bar,lots of conversation between regulars and quite a few people in to take advantage of a traditional pub grub menu with mains from £6.40 and cheaper snacks and sandwiches available. The community feel is enhanced by a weekly Wednesday quiz,fish and chip supper nights and two course meal deals during the week.There is also free wifi. There are 5 handpumps dispensing on my trip GK IPA,Abbott,London Pride,Black Sheep Bitter and a very well kept St Austell Tribute at £3.20pp.A lot of care is taken with ale quality and quite rightly this pub is in the 2012 GBG,but I would have given even higher marks if the ale selection extended beyond these nationally available brands.However the guv'nor may well be working off a pubcos "list". I would certainly return to this friendly establishment,probably the best in Wheathamstead.