10th visit of the outing: A rather strange two-bar grade II-listed pub of 17th century origins in one of St Albans' most picturesque streets by all accounts. I say strange because it was more a restaurant than a pub where tables were laid out for dining and with reserved signs on, for example, from 7.30pm. I was here just before that but decided not to intrude by sitting down even though the diners were yet to be in evidence. Two roaring fires made for a medieval banqueting-hall feel about the two seating areas split up by the central bar. I heard one customer complain to the bar staff that they were too hot and their reply was, we have no other form of heating. The staff were courteous to me and helpful in serving me without undue delay of any sort. The local CAMRA branch regard it thus: "An early champion of CAMRA's values in the cask ale revival movement and continues to this day stocking quality cask beers." Indeed, on my visit there were 5 interesting cask ales on. Not a place for "real" children as they are strictly not admitted regardless of age, but by contrast, dog-friendly and which I put to the test with my own faithful hound.

13:00 Large group in right hand bar, one other person in left hand bar. Many years since I was last here. Food much greater role than before.

Came here early lunchtime on my St Albans crawl. By far the best of the pubs in the town. I chatted with the barman about beers in America and also with one of the locals. I had a very good reasonably priced cheese and pickle sandwich. All the beers kept and served well. This pub cares about beer clearly.