The Three Horseshoes, Hemel Hempstead

Another good looking canal side pub which, although with a focus towards food, is still a great stop for a pint, especially if you can get one of the outside tables by the canal on a fine day. Nice period interior well described below and would agree the stable bar at the back is a good spot if you can get a seat. It’s a Charles Wells house and there was a bit better choice for my visit with the three previously described as regulars (CW Eagle and Bombardier and Courage Directors) complemented by a CW seasonal in the form of Dogfish DNA IPA. However I almost missed this as there are three pumps on each bar section and the seasonal was on in the other bar, but fortunately advertised on a small chalk board. So solid enough period pub, which benefits from an excellent waterside location.

Nice old pub with interesting nooks, crannies, and snugs to explore.The stable bar at the back was a haven of calm when I visited on a Saturday afternoon. Beers as previously reported and in decent condition. No vehicular access from London Road due to the work going on with the bridge but you are OK on foot. There's a handy bus stop at the top of the lane where the 500 bus will take you into the centre of Hemel Hempstead.

The pub is well situated right on the canal along a narrow lane from the main road. The swing bridge across the Grand Union is currently being extensively renovated and there is a temporary scaffold footbridge across the water which unfortunately slightly spoils the setting for now, but it is still definitely in the "chocolate box" category. The pub claims to date from 1535, and I suppose parts of it may well do. The Stable Bar which is accessed via the main door off the lane looks to be the oldest bit, the ceiling is very low, there are gnarled beams and columns and two large inglenook fireplaces, one each end which were burning logs at the time of my visit giving that attractive woodsmoke welcome. The beams are marked with various inscriptions and quotations, many enthusing about the qualities and benefits of good ale. The floor is terracotta tiled, seating is traditional with a couple of pew benches added in. Beyond is a snug like area accessed through an iron gate, there are padded benches in here, the walls are exposed brick and decorated with hanging plates. To the other side and running alongside the canal, is the Canal Bar and Restaurant. The small cosy bar area also has a log fire, the room then steps up to the restaurant which is brighter and more modern in feel, having aspect to the canal through a pair of french doors and some swirly patterned flowery wallpaper to a now disused chimney breast. Outside is a large decked area which runs right to the water's edge with extensive seating. I imagine this area gets rammed in summer. Three beers which I understand are regulars, Courage Directors, Bombardier and Charles Wells IPA (£3.25). The pub is understandably a bit foody given the location and plenty of people were eating in the restaurant and canal bar. The food looked decent quality and was well presented. Looking at a menu, mains were around £9-£15, burgers around £12 and paninis £6.95. There was also a specials board. Monthly comedy nights (first Monday) and a Tuesday quiz were advertised. This is a really nice pub, cosy and with good beer even if the choice is not too adventurous, but I reckon I visited at a good time, a Friday lunchtime on an average day weatherwise, on a summer Sunday or Bank Holiday I reckon the place will be teeming.