Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, St Albans Central, St. Albans

Visited in May 2010 Ye Olde Fighting Cocks somewhat dubiously lays claim to being the oldest pub in Britain. Reading the newspaper cuttings inside the pub, however, whilst we learn that there has been a pub here since the 8th century, the present building is mainly 16th century, having been largely rebuilt in 1600 following floods in 1599. The pigeon house that forms the basic central framework of the pub dates back to the 14th century. We also learn that Oliver Cromwell probably spent a night here during The Civil War, stabling his horse in the bar area. In my usual cynical manner, I was half expecting to read the usual ghost stories ( strange apparitions seen, cutlery rattling, furniture mysteriously moving etc ) - but I must have missed them. Whatever the whys and wherefores of the pub's age, it's an attractive looking building situated in a pleasant location on the edge of Verulamium Park and a large lake. As rather worn and faded pub signs outside indicate, it's starting to look slightly neglected in parts. The interior is the usual mixture of pillars, low beams and oldish furniture and, apart from a lighter modernised area near the bar, quite attractive and traditional looking. Perhaps not surprisingly, it's principally a food orientated operation with an emphasis on families and a standard pubco menu is offered. The inevitable noisy kids and large pushchairs were much in evidence. On my Saturday afternoon visit, beers on were Harveys Best, Doom Bar, Landlord and Abbott. The Harveys was perhaps cheaper than I might have expected at £ 3.00p, but was distinctly below average and I had to ask for a top up. If you're a first time visitor to St Albans pubs, you'll probably want to include this one and I'm not going to attempt to discourage you, but be aware that there are attractive alternatives close by.

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks is one of the claimants to the throne of Britain’s oldest pub. There has apparently been a pub here since the 8th century but reading between the lines on the various snippets and newspaper cuttings, there is little visible evidence that can be traced before the 14th century with much of the place being add-ons up to the 19th century. Nevertheless it is a hugely attractive building with many fine features. The centerpiece of the rambling interior is a 14th century octagonal pigeon house that was relocated to this site in the 16th century and has been amalgamated into the basic central framework of the pub. There are plenty of screened of areas and a sunken section in one corner that was the original cockpit from which the pub name derives. There are handsome fireplaces, old settles, stuffed animals and plenty of wonky pillars and low beams that have claimed many a 6 footer. Tunnels that apparently date back to the 8th century lead from the pub’s cellar to the nearby cathedral and are the source of the pub’s claim which is good enough for the Guinness Book of Records but a bit thin for my own interpretation. The beer selection was OK with a selection of fairly common but above average ales including Doom Bar, Harvey’s, Landlord and Abbott. For prime time Saturday night the place was hardly heaving which I gather is partly due to having a mixed reputation for food and service and the proximity of so many good pubs in the area. I didn’t eat hereso am unable to comment on that aspect but the service was fine although I would expect it be when the place is virtually empty. Personally I’m a sucker for historic buildings and found the place quite fascinating despite the spurious claims.

Beautiful interior, very good service, a lovely walk down from the Cathedral, past the park, down to the lake Was serving Timothy Taylor Landlord, Abbot Ale, and Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter. Food was good too It is reported to be England's oldest pub and currently holds the official Guinness Book of Records title. And reputed to have accomodated Oliver Cromwell during the Civil War

Multi-roomed pub down by the river not far from the abbey. Bit of a tourist trap hence the high prices. 3 real ales on tap with Black Sheep in very good form.