Harpsfield Hall (JD Wetherspoon), Hatfield

On approach I wondered if this was even open, as the car showroom-esque exterior wasn’t lit despite the sun having set at least 30 minutes previously. Fortunately it was, so my bus fare hadn’t been wasted. A strange Spoons in that it doesn’t really serve the town centre but services the jumbo shopping complex and the nearby Uni campus. Anyway, once in, I saw a hangar of a place sporting quite industrial-feeling with a high ceiling. Of note are a feature pair of enclosed oval seating areas like something out of The Prisoner, plus a jumbo feature fireplace with armchairs which made for a pleasant seating area. Two guest ales (I guess the average January punter is driving here, though oddly they were both a high abv). My initial choice of Abbot Reserve was turned down by the barmaid as 'not quite ready' so Theako OP as the alternative which was fine (NBSS 3). “Tick’s a tick” as they say.

Looks like a car showroom as you approach, with full-height windows on three sides under a tall ceiling that would look quite at home in a B&Q barn, but the interior is at least light. Modern furniture throughout, and a few interesting local history displays if you look carefully. Duplicated clips on two banks of six handpumps, offering Doom Bar, Abbot, Jennings Cocker Hoop, Black Sheep Special Ale and the local 3 Brewers Ruby (£1.99).

No old manor house here but a completely new build that looks like a tin box as you approach it. Inside it is a box of glass and steel with a high metal ceiling and exposed air conditioning paraphernalia. The acoustics are poor as it seemed quite loud and echoing. The tables and chairs are slightly better than average and there are some odd looking circular booths that are apparently made from aircraft parts. The pub is built on what was Hatfield Airbase and has something of a theme so may appeal more to aeroplane enthusiasts. It seemed reasonably busy on my Saturday afternoon visit. The bar has two sets of six hand pumps but the choice isn't that great with Ruddles, Doom Bore, Broadside all doubled up plus Abbot just left five other options. These consisted of Elgood's Hickathrift, Banks's Driftwood and three Xmas beers. I went for Hanlon's Goodwill which was very lively and not entirely clear. It tasted reasonably OK. Not having any particular interest is aircraft other than messing up two bob Airfix kits back in the day, I found this one wholly disappointing. Hatfield remains a town of very little interest.