The Old Post Office, Stevenage

This former Hogshead is operated by Town and City pubco and is right next door to the Wetherspoons and I made the mistake of thinking that this was just another bar area of the 'spoons.There are six handpumps ,offering four unexciting ales on my trip Courage Best,Bomber,GK IPA and Abbott which were at least drinkable.Very dozy bar staff,joshing with regulars and serving them immediately while strangers waited in vain at the bar.One barmaid in particular had perfected the technique of walking around the bar looking in cabinets,shuffling papers,fiddling with the till while studiously avoiding serving an increasing number of frustrated punters . Food offering very value orientated from a standard menu.At the rear there is a raised area with two pool tables but the mixture of high tables,dining tables and sofas give this place a very generic ,plastic bar feel.Alcohol pricing a little higher than 'spoons but the clientele is similarly intoxicated.Not very inviting.