Hare & Hounds, St. Albans

The Hare and Hounds has the main bar area at the front and there is some seating to the left where there is also a fireplace with adjacent sofas. Another fireplace with some sofas is found to the right of the bar where the beams begin to come into a bash on the head height. The bar swings around to the right rear of the pub where there is more seating along with table football, a dartboard and a plasma screen. I didn’t spot any advertisements for Sky Sports, but the weekend’s football news was being displayed for reading on the wall of the urinals in the gent’s toilet so maybe football is shown. Talking of the gent’s, remember to duck below the beam when entering and leaving. There is a large beer garden at the rear with plenty of covered and uncovered seating. A standard draught selection along with San Miguel is available from the bar and five hand pumps are also present from which I had a very good pint of Doom Bar. Food is available, but I didn’t see anyone eating during my late Saturday evening visit and I didn’t see any prices. I found the service to be friendly and there was a good atmosphere in here meaning that I will return next time I’m in St Albans.

From a real ale perspective this is maybe one of St Albans' ‘lesser' pubs, but one that should not be forgotten, I check every now and again to see how it's doing. Called in on a quiet Thursday afternoon and thought it as good as ever. The pub has a nice homely feel to it with complimentary newspapers, TV and comfortable seating. Had a decent pint of Oldershaw's Mowbray's Mash.