Old Cross Tavern, Hertford

Arguably Hertford`s premier real ale free house, the Old Cross Tavern was created in 1999 out of a former antiques shop. Once through the fairly anonymous looking front door, you find a relatively small pub with the open bar area to the right as you enter and then a seating area around a real fireplace to the left. The decor is minimalist but light and airy although slightly shabby in style machines and the walls are lined with beer bottle filled cabinets and other beer paraphernalia. And as this is primarily a location for beer drinking, there is no TV’s, Jukeboxes or fruit machines to get in the way of that. Usually there are 7 or 8 well kept ales on, primarily from regional and micro breweries. The pub has been the recipient of several local CAMRA branch awards and is a regular entry in the CAMRA GBG’s.. The limited internal space is supplemented by a small courtyard at the back, in which Beer festivals are held in May and October. On my last visit Viper Ales Jake The Snake and Maldon Gold were on from the Mighty Oak micro brewery alongside TT landlord and Thornbridge Jaipur IPA, and the couple I tried were well kept as usual. Food is basic and tends to be traditional homemade Pasties and Pies, which, like the beer, are top notch if you like that sort of cuisine.