Blacksmiths Arms, St Albans Central, St. Albans

Very busy corner pub with massive beer garden inc a yurt(don't ask) that you can hire for the night.Ten handpumps.My Jarrow -American ipa was outstanding.Loud live band on my Friday night visit but they were playing killer tunes so no problems.

A short walk from central St Albans, the Blacksmiths (formerly a Hogs Head) seems to have had its share of ups and downs in recent years. There is nothing particularly remarkable about the building, a typical Brewery Tudor corner pub with an open plan interior, bare floors and plain décor. What does makes it worth the visit is probably the best Real ale selection in town. There are currently 10 hand pumps with (on my visit) 2 standard ales (Bombardier and Speckled Hen) + 7 more interesting guests (Orkney Dragonhead, Cwmni Bragdy Celt, Potbelly Inner Caze, Oakham Black Hole, Dark Star Hophead, Oakham Inferno and Cheddar Valley cider). It seems hard to believe that prior to its major refurbishment in 2009, this was apparently a virtual ale free zone and chav magnet of a place but has gradually turned the corner and now appeals to a wider and one would suspect more appreciative crowd. My Saturday night visit found the place quite bustling and a live band were about to set up so don’t expect it to be a quiet haven for reflective ale tasting. They also claim to have the largest beer garden in town that apparently seats 600 people, something I failed to note being a) dark and b) at the end of a lengthy crawl. To be honest the live music would have been too intrusive for me to fully appreciate the place and I didn’t stay beyond a couple of pints but there is certainly enough here ale wise to keep anyone happy for a few hours although I would make it a bit earlier in the day next time.