Three Hammers, St. Albans

An 18th century Inn now owned by Ember Inns with a very attractive exterior.Once inside there is an island bar ,with two sections to the right with low ceilings and exposed beams and lounge furniture.There are other seating areas as you navigate around the serving bar with a raised area on the far left handside. There are six handpumps but apart from an interesting Ginger Beer from Williams Bros New Alloa Brewery the rest of the offering was uninspiring national brands Adnams Broadside,Black Sheep Bitter,London Pride,Courage Best and Spitfire.As you might expect ,bar staff lack training as was evident with a ludicrous short measure on my pint,followed by a stare off at the deficient pint and then my request for a top up,which was acceded to. Food dominates proceedings from the value orientated menu yet there are regular quizzes on Tuesday and Sunday which may bring in drinkers.Inoffensive musak and corporate furniture completes the chain atmosphere.At least under 14's are banished to the large garden,a de facto ban in this cold snap.There is also a sizeable smoking shelter and some bench seating outside at the front. Not sure why this is GBG listed,I popped in for a quick pint and a cheap bite to eat and that seems the limit of it's attraction.

A Ember Inn so it attracts a lot of diners. Sunday roast is quite cheap at £5.95 but is fast food type, at least they offered a clue as to how tough the roast beef would be by providing a steak knife. Four ales on, Young's Special, Henry's IPA, Pride and one other. Large car park and a few tables on the grass out front by the main road.

Three Hammers official pages, including menu and beer details - www.emberinns.co.uk

Three Hammers official pages, including menu and beer details - www.emberinns.co.uk