The Hop Tap, Hemel Hempstead

Fantastic new micro pub opened November 2018 in the old Market Square. It is run by two brothers from South Africa who are passionate about real ale and have finally bought this dream of opening a micro pub to fruition. There is room for 5 beers on handpull and 5 on gravity, and with quality uppermost in their minds you’re unlikely to be sold a pint that isn’t near perfect. During my visit three local brewers delivered beers, including one guy who runs a nano brewery out of his garage nearby. So there is likely to be some interesting stuff sitting alongside old favourites – Titanic Plum Porter was on for the grand opening, which was replaced by Rudgate Ruby Mild. There is a bespoke cider cooling cabinet housing 6 still ciders, plus a sparkling wine and a craft lager (from Windsor & Newton) on tap. Spirits and soft drinks also available. Cold bar snacks are planned, those that complement the drinking experience rather than interfere with it. Similarly there may be live background music some evenings. This is still a project in development but Clint and Des are both seeking and acting on feedback and I can see this being a very successful venture. I’ll certainly be paying regular visits. NB – for anyone looking for a bit of nostalgia, the gravity racks and some of the furniture were donated by the now sadly-departed Bree Louise pub in Euston. NNB – I was the fellow PuG contributor mentioned by BF in his review.

Recently opened micropub in a former Jennings bookmakers,this is a much needed real ale outlet in Hemel.The immediate area is not the most salubrious,but the welcome from the two brothers who own this micro was very friendly.The interior is basic,with a few wooden tables and chairs and a bar to the right side.There is no muzak,machines,screens or other distractions and the ale and cider options are listed on chalk boards. There is a mix of dispence with three handpumps and four ales also on stillage,with the choice on my trip Rudgate Ruby Mild,3 Brewers of St Albans Mild,Dorset Brewing Company Knob,Oakham Inferno,Mad Squirrel Burning Effigy,Tring Sidepocket and Drop Bar (very decent).There is a 50ppp CAMRA discount ,my Drop Bar was therefore £4.Locales will feature large here. Conversation rules the roost and I was fortunate to bump into a fellow Pubsgalore contributor.Next time I'm in town ,I will spend a lot longer in here.Hemel has been crying out for a decent real ale pub,and I was impressed by both the ale range and quality.I wish the operation every success.