The Hummingbird, Hertford

A grade II listed building,formerly Loch Fyne but never previously a pub despite a very fine portico. There has been an expensive refurb which has exposed a lot of original features.You enter into a front room with a fine inglenook to the right with a wood burner ,while to the left side the fireplace is full of logs.There is bench seating in crimson velour on the left wall,while to the right are curtained seating booths.It's all very plush with comfy chairs ,low profile tables and stolls in a boudior setting which will please female customers.Through a short corridor ,the wood floor section has a modern hip bar to the left,more seating with a mix of table sizes and types with a side snug with another wood burner,while to the far end tables are set for dining.There is even a small courtyard area for drinking or dining.There is lots of flock wallpaper ,stylish light fixtures ,exposed timbers and paintings on the walls. The vibe will change depending on time of day.Coffee and upmarket breakfasts in the morning,quite expensive pub grub during the day and then a trendy bar in the evening.However expect overloud muzak at any time. The ale options are limited from two handpumps,the ever dull Doom Bar thankfully balanced by Tring Sidepocket on my trip,with very mainstream kegs,although the cocktail,wine and gin menu might hint at their core market. Whether the good people of Hertford will pay £13 for fish and chips and £12 for a burger and chips once the novelty value has worn off is a mute point.The real ale drinkers is better served elsewhere but this pub may well attract female groups of various ages.