The Bricklayers Arms, Hemel Hempstead

The Bricklayers Arms is an award winning restaurant focussed gastro pub. As mentioned below it is Michelin accredited and has won several local restaurant awards that are proudly displayed above the bar. The pub was originally a pair of early 18th century cottages, one a butcher’s shop and the other a forge. In 1832 one of them was converted into a beer-house and over the years the adjacent properties were absorbed, and each building can still be made out in the series of smart inter-connecting bars and dining rooms. Although most of the internal space is laid out for dining there is a decent bar area and the whole interior is low ceilinged with exposed beams and a real log fires. Then outside there is a very pleasant enclosed, two tiered patio and lawned garden and then a large car park. It was formerly a Benskins owned establishment but is now a Free House and there are four hand pumps on the bar, which were dispensing Fuller’s London Pride, GK IPA and OSH and Sharps Doombar. Although most people come here to eat (and for their experiences you are better off looking at restaurant review sites like trip advisor), but you can come here just for a beer. However unless you go to enjoy it in the garden, you do feel a bit of a spare part just drinking here and I found the Green Dragon down the road much more comfortable for just a pint.

This is a great pub with a warm welcome and friendly staff. The customers are friendly and chatty too! Superb food and great ale. I've eaten here many times now and never been disappointed.

Official site of the Bricklayers Arms, contains menus and wine list - www.bricklayersarms.com

Official site of the Bricklayers Arms, contains menus and wine list - www.bricklayersarms.com

They have been awarded Hertfordshires "Dining Pub of The Year" and Wine List of The Year in 'The Good Pub Guide 2009' for the second year in a row; regional winners for the "Morning Advertisers" "Great British Pub Award 2008" and "Publican Magazines" "Freehouse of the Year 2009 & Food Pub of the Year 2009"; "AA Pick of the Pubs", not to mention being recommended in the much coveted Michelin Guide and a Commendation in the Harden's Guide 2009.