The Brocket Arms, Welwyn

A 14th century building in the attractive village where George Bernard Shaw lived.The front door leads to a central corridor where walkers are encouraged to deposit their boots.To the right is a formal restaurant with an open fireplace while the bar is to the left.The first room has a large inglenook fireplace with benches set within the fireplace,and the rest of the furniture is wooden and traditional.The small bar runs down one side of this room and into the next room where there is a large woodburner and more seating.Beams and solid flooring complete the unspoiled interior. There are six handpumps,three in each room with ,on my trip,Brocket Bitter 3.9% brewed by Nethergate,Sharp's Doom Bar, GK IPA,Abbott,with Olde Trip reversed and an unused handpump.Beer quality was fine. Most people pop in for something to eat.There is a short bar food menu ,priced at a premium but the food was cooked with skill and my pie and designer chips was very good.Both bars are quite small and would quickly fill at popular times.The restaurant was not busy at all at lunchtime,but judging by the prices it maybe more of a special treat evening option. Worth a visit for the interior alone,the walled garden is a great place to frequent in fine summer weather.

Official site of the Brocket Arms - www.brocketarms.com

Official site of the Brocket Arms - www.brocketarms.com