The Three Tuns, Buntingford

The only village pub in the village of Great Hormead, this is a thatched building reached from the main road by taking the lane over a small stream. Inside, the pub has been modernised somewhat. The bar area still has some atmosphere. Although the furniture is far from traditional. I chose an armchair to sit in. Off to the right as you enter from the car park is a dining area with plenty of tables. As with the Black Horse up the road, I was the first customer and remained the only one throughout my visit. The barman was soon joined by the cheery landlady who was quite welcoming and seemed genuinely interested in what I was doing in the area. They probably don't get many non-locals, especially during the week. Both of the staff members were preparing for a 50th birthday party and the landlady informed me that the pub would be closed to anybody other than invited guests later that evening. So, it was perhaps good luck that I'd timed my visit to a lunchtime. There is a small outdoor area (again as you enter from the car park). They were planning to erect a marquee for the party there. Landlord was the solitary real ale. Friendly place, but probably more suited to the local trade.