Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, St Albans Central, St. Albans

Well worth wandering around the interior with a very low ceiling and finding the lower snug which was the former cock pit.Maldenman has described the interior well,and I thought the real ale selection on my trip of Mad Squirrel Milk Stout(decent),Purity UBU,Brains Reverend James Gold,Harbour Brewing American Rye,Woodford's Norfolk,Hop Back Summer Lightening,Glamorgan My Darling Lemontime and Robinsons Trooper was both broad and interesting. The side room had a darts board but an impossible throw if anyone was occupying a nearby table,but an open mic night indicates some community feel .Mindless muzak was the only fly in the ointment,I would happily use the pub again given the variety of real ale on offer.

The pub makes a strong claim to be the oldest in the country however although there has probably been a drinking house on site since the 8th century it is doubtful that any part of the current buildings are of that age. Old it is though and the gnarled timber beams and posts plus the inglenook fireplace are pleasing on the eye. The lower floored area is apparently the original cock-pit where the fighting would have taken place, now it is a pleasant carpeted room with a dartboard for today's sport. Outdoor seating to the rear and front make this an enviable spot on a nice day especially with its location close to the park and lake. Eight beers on, Glamorgan My Darlin' Lemontime, Harbour Brewing Co American Rye, Hop Back Summer Lightning, Mad Squirrel Milk Stout, Woodforde's Norfolk Champion, Robinson's Trooper, Purity Pure Ubu and Brain's Rev James Gold. A good line up and my Lemontime was first class. I imagine this place to be a cosy spot in winter with a fire going, there are board games and the seating is conventional and rustic in style. I enjoyed it here.