The Crown (JD Wetherspoon), Berkhamsted

The pub is a rarity in so far as the front section of this JDW was always a pub going back centuries rather than the usual old cinema or carpet shop. Nowadays the pub goes back quite some distance, and external inspection from the side alley, which I took to be the former stable access, suggests that the current Crown is now two buildings extended and joined together. The front area still has some old beams and posts and the period low ceiling, plus another 'spoons rarity, a separate side room. The front area to the right on entering would also once have been another room. Nowadays, the bar is in the middle, JDW style along a side wall. Naturally some of the usual Wetherspoons treatment has taken place, with the side extension having a conservatory roof, and the superbly observed up the stairs and down the other side galleried toilets resembling a gallows! There were a decent selection of beers on with multiple pumps and local beers in the guise of Tring, Red Squirrel and Buntingford. I actually went for a Brains St David's Ale (£2.45) which was in fine nick. The barmaid was friendly, bouncy and very jolly, seeing trainman's review below there must be something in the water. Worth a visit even if JDWs aren't your thing.