Salisbury Arms Hotel, Hertford

A labyrinthine 16th century hotel, with a gorgeous pargetted exterior and an equally lovely rambling interior, with lots of dark wood panelling and odd corridors. There seems to be a room either side of the little bar, with a separate lounge at the front and a large function room behind, but there could be more in the depths. Unfortunately the beer does not live up to the surroundings. The usual McMullens selection of Country, AK and seasonal (Solstice) was badged - the latter was off and the Country should have been. One for a posh lunch rather than drinking at, but gains an extra point for heritage.

They had the predictable couple of McMullen's ales on in here - AK and Cask. They have an extensive menu in the bar area - or they did on Saturday lunchtime when I was in there. As an example, fish & chips was £11.50 for the large version, and £8.25 for the regular version, which was quite small. This is a large pub that really does have the feel of the hotel it is. It is a Grade II* Listed building, so you are entiltled to expect something a bit special. You enter into a corridor; on the left is a sort of lounge, but with no bar counter. On the right is a more traditional bar room; further down the corridor on the right is another large room with a bar counter and was being used by diners on my visit (table service was offered, but declined obviously); and right down at the end of the corridor is a more formal restaurant, which wasn't in use on Saturday lunchtime. All rooms are comfortably furnished, mainly with normal tables and chairs but I did spot a sofa or two in the lounge. The hotel feel was reinforced for me by the waistcoated waiter (?) who asked if he could help me as I was wandering around inspecting the panelling and the like. One of our company asked one of the (foreign) staff where he could find a bookies, to be told that he could book in at reception. Nice one. This is a comfortable place, although it's not very pubby. It's the sort of place you could take your mum for lunch.