The Saint & Sinner, St Albans Central, St. Albans

Graham Coombs left this review about The Saint & Sinner

A MacMullens attempt at a posh eatery in a really impressive old building, once the home of the Lord Mayor, although they don't make use of the front door on the main street but instead divert you round to a side entrance (near the Wetherspoon's). The place is vast and they have clearly spent a lot of money but haven't quite got it right. The decor and furnishings look swish and expensive, until you look up and the whole effect is ruined by an unfinished industrial ceiling, ducting and all. It is predominantly set out as an eating house, although there is a shuffleboard in a side area and while there are some tables for drinkers near the large central bar it doesn't feel very comfortable. The middle part is a sort of modern bistro, then you get to the front parts which are much better. Across the front are two glorious rooms with heritage furnishings, presumably used as restaurant or function areas, one with its one bar. The original entrance hall is lovely, so it is a shame it is not used, the staircase is splendid and there is a really nice private dining room upstairs. What a shame the rest of the pub wasn't done to this standard. There is also a patio area outside. Beerwise it is all MacMulllens: there are two handpumps, one serving Country Bitter and the other their seasonal brew, plus a few keg taps featuring their Rivertown craft range. Prices are above the norm, as you might expect. The food looked ok but seemed very expensive also. It was notable there were only a handful drinking and just four people eating at peak lunchtime, while the Spoons behind was full to bursting. There are much worse places around but it doesn't cry out for a visit.

On 3^rd August 2025 - rating: 6
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