The Bishop's Cave, St Albans Central, St. Albans

A shop conversion but a building that dates back to the 13c,this is now a trendy bar and eatery. You enter into a very high ceiling front room with some fine exposed timber ,and a significant cheese counter with a few high tables.A "please wait to be seated sign" might put you off,but just drinking is fine.Be aware that tables will be booked at peak hours with a time attached. The midsection contains some high refectory type seating while the back area has a much more tradition low beamed ceiling and a small bar tucked into the corner.This area has a very old brick fireplace and mostly copper topped high tables.A unisex loo is further on.It's quite atmospheric and will chime well with the ladies. It's a keg only selection,all £5, from four taps ,on my visit Pauliner Lager,Nene Valley Hop Stach,Five Clouds Pale and ABC Moose Springsteen (a Milkshake IPA but indistinct in keg form,quite gassy and cold).Fridges offer bottles and there is a 50p corkage. Food orientates around cheese ,olives,antipasti and crackers and isn't cheap.However it's an interesting building,the staff are young and keen and you could enjoy a decent craft beer if your wallet will stretch far enough. There is a sister operation in Bishops Stortford.