Oddfellows Arms, Apsley, Hemel Hempstead

Very much a locals pub but not unfriendly. Sky Sports and regular live music at weekends. Beer was Hobgoblin at a good price and in good condition. A bit beaten up but a decent honest boozer.

A basic boozer in the down at heel Apsley,there are two entrances from the main road with some original etched glass windows.The right hand door opens to an area with a darts board,with a raised area beyond and an island bar.Three handpumps are situated in the rear part of the island and my pint of Hobgoblin was clear and in good condition.Other options was Abbott and London Pride.Carrying around the pub,the final section had a small raised stage with a large drop down screen for Sky Sports.There are occasional DJ nights,and this section includes some well worn sofas as well as more regular pub furniture.Pub felt a little gloomy,and could do with a clean up ,yet is well supported by some local drinkers for whom the pub name is an apt description.

There isn't a vast array of choice on the real ale front in Apsley so the Oddfellows deserves a mention. The large bar is central with a bar area to the right and at the back and more of a lounge area to the left. At the back of the lounge area there's a raised platform which I assume is where the advertised bands play. No live music on our visit so the big screen on the back wall was showing footy. There's a run down air and slightly hostile atmosphere in the Oddfellows so not necessarily one for a cosy pint. Beer: Hobgoblin, which was fine, London Pride and Abbott. I'd probably plump for The White Lion down the road if in Apsley again.