7th visit of the outing: Still with some of the others on the outing but this olde-worlde pub right in the centre of St Albans and grade-II listed, dating back to 1422 with a real fire and suitably low ceilings, by our arrival time of nearly 5pm was too packed for me with not a table or chair spare. This is no doubt why I have not attempted it before on earlier visits to St Albans. You almost need to do this one first and others so centrally positioned around Market Place before the more distant backstreet ones heading in the direction of St Albans City railway station later in the day. Too busy for me and so ventured on having bid my fellow real ale samplers a cheery farewell.

Quiet in the afternoon. I really should read the pub descriptions on here before ordering; it did not cross my mind to ask if a CAMRA discount was available.

Market Day in St. Albans so this pub was predictably busy. Good and friendly service at the bar.

A busy Saturday afternoon. I have not listed all of the beers that were on offer.

13:45 First time here for me. Excellent pub, good atmosphere. Very welcoming.

Saturday is market day in St Albans, so it is busy in here at lunchtime – ahead of the forecast storms.

Busy Saturday lunchtime with the market in full flow outside. Staff were very efficient at serving and clearing tables. CAMRA discount for real ales.

Late Saturday afternoon. Busy with shoppers, tourists and locals. I thought that it may have had a bit of a refurbishment recently as I could still smell fresh paint. OK pub, lovely from the outside, bit cold inside.

Popped in after we'd finished at the St Alban's beer festival. It was busy especially with the market on outside and felt like a market pub.