The College Arms in East Hertfordshire

A pub that advertises the quality of food and drink - both real ales sold out and unavailable, with the roast beef completely over cooked

I booked the back room for 18 of us to celebrate a significant birthday on a Saturday evening. We nominated what food and wine each of us wanted a week in advance. The result was a really good night out for all of us. The service was excellent - no waiting around , each person got what they had asked for. My thanks to Rhiannon and Elsa who were wonderful

Booked a table for 10 for a special family meal. Service was slow (although polite enough) and it took two hours for our starters and mains. Starters were average at best - very small portions of calamari for the cost and the pork belly bites were very fatty! The breaded chicken for the mains was bland and over cooked - one meal had to be sent back. After our mains they asked us to leave the restaurant to sit in the bar due to a private party - would have been nice to know this before booking as we didn’t want to have to relocate mid meal before pudding! Needless to say we left the restaurant feeling underwhelmed and I don’t think we’ll be back!

Just wanted to say a huge thank you to Giles, Elisia and Rebecca for the top class service they offered us yesterday. Went the extra mile to make sure my friend was happy. Thank you very much indeed.

It’s a lovely pub for drinks inside nice atmosphere. But it’s let down by the state of the garden. Could really go with some TLC and some new furniture. Then I’m sure it would be more popular and would get 5 stars from me

Came here for our anniversary meal. We were sat in the restaurant which was cold with no atmosphere... One other couple in there, who complained about their food. Her breaded chicken was slightly burnt and tough so she didn't eat it. Not a good sign. We moved to the bar area which was better. I ordered 'crispy' pork belly bites for the starter and not one part of it was crispy, there was also hardly any pork, 80% just jelly fat so I couldn't eat it. We both ordered the prawn and crab linguine which was £17.50 each. Not impressed, the prawns were nicely cooked but it was very bland and a bit mushy. Ate most of it but only because we were starving by then. Very disappointed.

We went for lunch with another couple. Although the food was good, we thought it was on the expensive side. A very bad point is that there was no indication on the menu of prices for coffees or teas. However, our main criticism is that a service charge was automatically added to our bill, although there was no indication of this on the menu. I feel I want to decide whether to leave a tip or not. I don't like to be told to do so! I don't think we'll be going there again.

We hired the garden room for my mother-in-law’s 80th birthday. This is a lovely room anyway, but it was set up really nicely before we arrived to decorate it and put out the flowers and cake. When we arrived for the meal, the staff were so accommodating to the point we never had empty glasses and didn’t have to go to the bar once. The food was absolutely superb with everyone singing the praises of the chef. For me though, the highlight was the staff team - all of them were fabulous and nothing at all was too much trouble: they’ve really set the bar. Thank you so much!! I would definitely come back here for another celebration and also for lunch/dinner and could not recommend highly enough.

Nice location, good food and friendly staff made this a great location for a large family get together. The apple crumble for desert was epic, enough for two and filled with fruit!

I have only given this 2 stars (poor) because I can't go back until you do something about the lights in the garden rooms. It was so bright it was like being in a showroom or hairdressers. The very nice waitress did her best and finally managed to turn the side wall lights off which was slightly better, note to owner just need a dimmer on the main lights and some candles and you would have a nice room. Also get some kind of door close or hinge to stop the door slamming every time someone comes in or out with food or goes to the loo. God no thought to ambience or customer enjoyment at all. I can't believe I'm the first person to say any of this??? Any way all the staff were lovely, starters were very nice. Fish and chips was rubbish as they replaced the cod or haddock as we were told it was with coley which wasn't up to scratch. out. I had the trout which was ok/average. Just a little thought on a few things and you might have a decent place here. 4 x people shared starters and mains £120 - couple of glasses of wine and a 2 beers.

Booked table for 2, and ended up in back room with large family celebrating a childs birthday with lots of running around. Service was slow, request for a request for salt was forgotten. Food was average at best. Shame as previous visit was excellent.

After being seated for 10 minutes in the restaurant on Sunday, had to ask to order drinks. Took 10 minutes to get drinks. Drinks served and waitress started to walk away without asking what food we wanted. Had to ask. Food came in reasonable time . The chicken roasts had no bread sauce or chicken crackling and came with a tiny piece of stuffing. The food was just ok but overpriced. Waiting staff need training. Won't be returning.

We visited the pub on Christmas Eve with a large group of friends and spent a fortune (when you’re charged £14 for a white wine spritzer, it’s hard not to!) and returned on Christmas Day with family for a couple of drinks in the afternoon. We were not having Christmas dinner at the pub (we do not eat here for reasons stipulated in previous reviews) but as locals to the village in which the pub is situated, we have - covid years aside - always popped in for a Christmas Day drink. We were told that we were unable to have a drink because there were too many of us and people were eating. The tables in the bar area had been set up for dining (in previous years this had always been an area for those who wished to pop in for a Christmas Day drink) and because of this, we were told we could not be accommodated. To not be allowed a drink at your local pub on Christmas Day is ridiculous. It’s highly unlikely I shall be returning any time soon.

Nice location with parking. The interior is clean, comfortable and warm. The Wi-Fi worked well. The lady serving was friendly and helpful. The down side was the expensive price of the food and drink.

We attended the college arms today for a Sunday roast and were bitterly disappointed with the quality and price of the food. We had two chicken roasts which were supposed to come with chicken crackling, bread sauce, a thigh and a breast fillet. I had no crackling, the bread sauce was basically flavourless thick cream and I got a breast and the parsons nose (no thigh). My sister in laws sausage meat stuffing was pink in the middle and raw. My husband ordered cauliflower cheese as a side which never came, and we ordered two extra Yorkshires which came as we were finishing our food - we had to request all of this twice. Our ‘seasonal veg’ consisted of frozen carrot slices boiled until very soft and green beans which were shrivelled and not fresh. The gravy was flavourless and cheap. When we complained to the manager, she combatively said ‘I did offer you some more stuffing’ followed unconvincingly by saying she’d feed this all back to the kitchen. We were offered no money off, and as I write this review, I actually feel like calling for a refund of our mains.

Really disappointed with the Sunday lunch we had today and having to pay £19 for it! Echoing the last few reviews, all of the food was clearly reheated, it was stale and chewy, the gravy was made from granules, the chicken was rubbery, the Yorkshire’s...

The young waiting staff are nice and pleasant and it's not their fault there is no chef in this establishment just a glorified heater upper of limp and reheated food. It was far from fresh. (Maybe it was fresh hours ago)The manager needs to have...

Really dissapointed with the food, its priced very high (£18 for beef) but the quality was poor more on a Toby Carvery level and below. The pork belly didnt have crispy skin, the roasts were bland, the veg option was frozen in the middle and...

Dined last Friday with friend. Waited over an hour for meal, both of us sent back as was only warm. My Prawn Linguine contained 4 prawns and the spaghetti was dry with no sauce. When asked if we enjoyed food I said it was disappointing...

Admittedly it was a Tuesday lunchtime but the pub was rather deserted. Having said this we still had a good time. Service was excellent, friendly and efficient. Menu a bit limited like everywhere else at the moment. My burger was very good, my friends both...

Six of us, Sunday evening around 5pm, all very hungry after a day in London. I called the pub and spoke to Glen who managed to fit us in. We turned up and had drinks and was shown to our table. We all ordered roast...

Had lunch yesterday with friends and was very unimpressed with the food as were a few others I was with. My warm aubergine salad was mediocre at best and the so-called chargrilled mushrooms which were unrecognisable tasted of and had the consistency of charcoal. When...

Don't eat the food, seriously don't! Extremely poor quality and when several people complained, I suggested that the chef should know better and the manageress said "it's not the chef's fault" Seriously lousy quality and very poor portions, not cheap either.

We took my elderly mother-in-law and her friend to The College Arms on Sunday for lunch. We always love it there, especially their evenings with live music which give a brilliant atmosphere but this was a whole new experience! The staff couldn’t have been more...

Apparently new owners who don’t deliver. Drinks took far to king to be served. Food average but expensive at best. A double burger with 2 of the smallest patties and some greasy sauce on the side. Really poor. Used to be so much better. Dirty...

We had ate here as a family of four on a lovely sunny day. The pub has a great garden, the food was lovely and great service. We will definitely go back.

I have been to the collage arms a few times and have always had a great experience. I don’t really understand the bad reviews as the food has always been excellent as has the service. I will definitely be going back. X

Omg definitely won't be going back. Service slow even though it was very quiet. Food not good looked like it had been sitting there for a long time before serving it . Disappointed

This pub used to be excellent with amazing food, pizzas to die for, fabulous pies and home cooking. We used to attend the quiz regularly and have dinner first, the pub was always buzzing and full of people dining. Since the new owners took over,...

Had buffet here for a wake. Very disappointing for the price charged per head.. Very over priced in our opinion it was not value for money at all. Only positive side .... it was a sunny day so we could be int he garden.

Visited here a few times and always had a lovely meal with no complaints, so when my friend said to find a pub for lunch to catch up with nice pub food I thought of here. Unfortunately this wasn’t the case this time; we both...

Went a couple of years ago and had a very nice meal. Not so this time unfortunately (on a Sunday evening). Although booked, seating us seemed to be an inconvenience. Then main course, lamb shank & gravy, came completely cold (vegetables were hot). Sent food...

Been wanting to visit this place for a while and I'm so glad I did as I just had an amazing Sunday roast. The staff are so lovely and polite and The decor is absolutley stunning I had a lovely time

After a long dog walk with a friend we were very hungry and looking forward to a good pub lunch. My 'proper' club Sandwich was awful, the worst I've ever had with disgusting processed white bread which I haven't touched for years. The filling was...

With friends and our two dogs we were looking forward to a lovely gastro pub meal at the College Arms where I have been several times before lockdown. I can only say all the food was amateurish and left us speechless. For starters three had...

Arrived for lunch having booked a table in the restaurant to be told we would now have to eat in the bar as two large parties were using the restaurant areas.Having ordered we then waited an hour for the food to arrive,when it did it...

Such a nice pub and great atmosphere to enjoy an evening with friends and Bronya was a lovely Barmaid.

Thank you to the wonderful staff at The College Arms. They made our annual club Award and Dinner night a fantastic event. Super friendly and helpful with setting up and organising our night. With over 30 people to seat, serve drinks and food to, they...

Wonderful place with amazing atmosphere. Never disappoints!!!! Best pub quiz about, lovely people !!!

Went there with family as missed out on Christmas due to Covid! Service poor, sat waiting, not even asked if I’d like a drink. Meal came , hair in burger, manager/ owner was rude and extremely unhelpful! Atmosphere awful, wouldn’t go back !!

The pub has been decorated really nicely since it changed hands and the staff are very friendly and attentive. There is a wide range of drinks and food to choose from too as well as a reasonably priced children’s menu. We went for lunch with...

Family lunch at college arms went down well with all, sausage and mash; schnitzel and pulled beef burgers were all devoured with relish!

Great service lovely food had lamb shank roast and was amazing, the service was friendly and attentive The staff were checking in to see if we were happy with the service and the food, busy with customers with a great atmosphere child friendly and dog...

We were looking forward to a family meal out. Unfortunately the disparity between meals was considerable even though they were priced similarly. A pasta dish consisted of a few parcels of pasta in the middle of a large plate with nothing to accompany it, where...

We were taking my aged in-laws out to celebrate her birthday. College Arms was somewhere different from usual. We should not have bothered. 15 minutes to take our orders and that was after forgetting to tell us about the specials - then 50 minutes before...

The Goats cheese starter was all pastry, with a piece of cheese the size of a 1p piece. Main course roast was dry and flavourless with tiny shrivelled potatoes and microwaved frozen veg. We ordered additional cauliflower cheese and pigs in blankets. The sausages were...

Visited early evening for our 3rd meal since reopening. The decor & feel of the pub is fantastic, the front of house staff are all excellent- friendly, chatty, attentive & genuinely nice. The food, however, on each of the 3 occasions we have eaten is...

I went to the college arm’s with my boyfriend about a week ago and we ordered the pesto salmon and the hand made tortellini. Followed by two eton messes. It took 45 minutes to come out and the tortellini was dry and tasted like it’d...

My Husband and I visited the newly renovated Collage Arms a couple of weeks ago after looking at the website, which describes itself with 'authentic pub food, well done'. The website makes the place look amazing... I can't fault the look of the pub. It's...

Table booked at 1pm with an escape room at 3, didn’t get out food until 2:45, chips that come with main course came out after I had finished the main - No time for dessert Service slow but friendly. Food portions horrendously small £8 for...

This is a very late review, for a visit a couple months ago. Before the last lockdown. I just wanted to put on record that the Hamburger I had was maybe the best hamburger I’ve ever had. I’m from the States so I’ve had a...

We collected a meal from the College Arms for Valentines day. The menu was easy to order from and the friendly staff had the collection ready at the agreed time.The food came with clear instructions and all had an excellent taste with more than enough...

Went with two friends and their aging Doberman, we went into the large garden and had table service, a very good choice from the menu, nicely cooked and served. This pub gets it name from the nearby public School Haylebury College which a only a...

We arrived slightly early for our 1.30 lunch. The restaurant was busy but not packed. After eventually taking our order, the starters arrived at around 1.50 and my wife’s duck salad mysteriously became a soup. Although this was changed quickly, the empty plates were left...

Restaurant very covid secure so if you are nervous about going out rest assured this place is following all the rules to the letter. Really did not like not having a menu. I think perusing a menu is all about the dining experience. You had...

This was the first restaurant we visited when lockdown was eased. Food was good but a limited menu. Good value for money. Pub was covid secure.

Visited here recently, midweek lunchtime, on the off chance they had a table for two adults, one child and a baby. (We had tried to call several times that morning to book but it was just ringing then going through to voicemail). I didn’t eat...

Was supposed to be a goodbye lunch with our friends ahead of moving away. Ordered food at 12.30 and by 3pm it still hadn't arrived. No update or apology from management only an argumentative and confrontational reaction. Real downer on what was supposed to be...

This pub is brilliantly run. There are clear markings for social distancing through out the entire place, including on the grass in the garden! Sanitizers are visible everywhere. The staff have been well instructed and work extremely hard to maintain distancing from customers. They are...

This was my parents first meal out since lockdown. I had been to a couple of places before and this won by far! Thank you for making us feel totally safe, and nice to see all staff respecting social distancing and clearly explaining how things...

Collected a Sunday roast for 4 yesterday - I ordered 3 nut roasts and one roast chicken. The ordering and collection was straightforward, staff friendly, and the meal delicious. It was well packed and each meal included a Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and a selection of fresh vegetables. The gravy came in separate containers and the meals all stayed hot during my 10 minute drive home. I'd certainly revisit - either for a takeaway or to eat in.

Thrre of us for an early birthday lunch on one of the hottest days of the year. Very clear distancing rules, fantastic staff, broad menu, expertly cooked and beautifully presented food. Home made sausage rolls were meaty and herby with light pastry. Linguine with prawns was wonderfully garlicky. Gammon, egg and chips (or salad if you ask) was very tasty with crunchy, chunky chips. To finish chocolate brownie and ice cream was again beautifully present with raspberries and strawberries. Too hot for alcohol so cant comment on wine and beers but coffee was good and strong. Portions huge; none of us finished main courses.

went for chicken salad with anchovies..... complained as no anchovies!!!!! we weren’t advised there wouldn’t be & food was tasteless (not usual standard,) we won’t be returning for a while!!!!!

Came here for the first time last week and thoroughly enjoyed our meal! The service was a little slow, but that was expected due to the current corona crisis!! Such friendly and welcoming staff too. Only thing I’d say is the vegetarian & vegan options are slightly lacking. And as a part of 3 veggies + 1 meat eater this was a little issue, but the veggie burger was very good!! Would highly recommend.

A group of us (11) popped in after work for lunch and a drink, or two. The food was great, the service amazing, the young lady who waited on us today was friendly and enthusiastic. We had a great time, it was our first time out together since lockdown and the weather was perfect in the beer garden! Thanks guys! We’ll be back soon I have no doubts

We had lunch at The College Arms on Saturday for our first trip out since lockdown eased - all the food was amazing & the staff have clearly put a lot of effort into implementing the social distancing measures....the gazebo erecting skills were impressive too meaning we could still enjoy our lunch in the English rain!! Thank you Andy & you team :)

Tonight was the first night they were open since lockdown. The team were amazing, they explained the new procedure to us . Its the new norm and they were fantastic. Same wonderful restaurant / pub just a few small changes. Well done Team College Arms who are always so friendly and kind. By far my best restaurant locally x

We first visited the College Arms about five years ago and have always been impressed with it - the `ambience, the quality and variety of the food, combined with the friendly, helpful and professional staff. I reckon we must have been there dozens of times now and have never been disappointed. We always ask for the same table and are invariably given it. We have occasionally tried other pubs/restaurants in the Hertford heath area but always return to the College Arms for all the reasons stated above

We had lunch here for an elderly family members birthday. She had been to the pub a few months back and had loved the food, so wanted to take 10 of us there and was very excited... Unfortunately everyone had a very disappointing meal. Lots of us had seafood for part of the meal, and the mussels were either fully closed or had very tiny mussels in them. So the fish stew really had little substance and people were actually hungry a while later! The fish and chips were dry and not at all warm. When the waitress asked how things were they answer was given ‘only reasonable’ and this was not questioned further and not responded to. The whole group felt the meal was substandard and lots of the food was left. This wasn’t questioned by the waitress at the end of the meal. My aunt did not want to make a complaint as she felt it would leave a bad atmosphere even though she said ‘that was a terrible meal’ and I asked whether I could complain but she asked me not too. She also paid the full service charge on the bill which I was cross about! Sorry - awful meal, and waiting staff friendly and nice but not responding to feedback. Decor is nice.

I came here for a Sunday roast with a couple of friends, and I’ve got to say all the food was delicious.My only gripe would be we had to move to the bar after our main (which was absolutely fine as we knew this at time of booking) but at that point onwards the service was a little poor. Would still return for the food alone!

Almost adjacent to the college, excellent location, good few parking on site and street parking as well. Efficient , welcoming and courteous staff. Nice pub to get quick nibbles.

Lots of choices on the menu were not available which was made it difficult for us to choose.Three people ordered haddock two large and one small portions there was no difference in size they all looked small.The food was good though

Given this restaurant/pub has been given good reviews, we had a very disappointing family meal today (Boxing Day). There were 13 of us and each of us were unimpressed with the quality of our meals, both starter and main. They were either cold, not cooked through properly, over cooked and tasteless. General poor quality all round and overpriced. The service was adequate. A couple of the meals were pretty disgusting: the vegan shepherds pie and the chicken curry.

A welcoming interior and smiley staff await at the cosy country pub and restaurant. This was a quick stop off but we stayed longer than intended because it was such a nice experience. A good beer and excellent cocktail didn’t take so long to consume but long enough to study the menu ready for our next visit (the offerings, particularly the starters, are certainly inviting. Reasonable parking and a venue of good size. We will return.

I went with my team The service was very friendly The steak was beautifully cooked All my questions about allergens were answered really well I’m allergic to shellfish so I double checked if the fries had been cooked separately The waitress asked the chef and told me that the battered haddock was cooked in the same fryer as the potato fries and sweet potato fries Why????This means they are not gluten free and they are not vegan. Therefore the menu is misleading

Good food but very slow service waited an hour for our main course to long when pub wasn’t busy. Had the lamb shank from the specials board which was very tasty and tender

I booked the College Arms on a recommendation that my son had received from a friend and wasn't disappointed!Friendly and welcoming staff. The food was excellent, fresh, nicely presented and the waiting staff were very attentive.I will definitely return and will be recommending this place to friends and family.Looking forward to our next visit!

The food was delicious but the carpet was a bit grim to look at! Chairs also in need of an upholster. Really in need of a redecorate as it appeared very scruffy. However, the staff were friendly and pleasant and the food was very good.

I was the birthday boy... I kind of knew a party had been arranged...

Brilliant. We had a fabulous afternoon celebrating my mums 90th birthday in The Garden Room. Food excellent and piping hot. Staff couldn’t do enough to make her special day so amazing. There was 22 of us and everyone commented on the quality of the food. Lovely atmosphere resulting in one very happy 90 year old Lady. Thanks Adele and your team,you were wonderful.

My husband, daughter and I decided we would try the food here (my daughter and I had visited a few weeks ago just for a drink and the menu looked tempting). We were not disappointed! The food was excellent - I had Aubergine Parmigiana, my daughter had the fish cakes and my husband had glazed ribs - we all really enjoyed our meals and there is no doubt we will be returning! Portion sizes are generous and there is attention to detail in the presentation of the food. Very nice atmosphere and friendly, happy staff - nothing negative to say! Thanks College Arms - we’ll be back

Great service from the young lady attending us, however I have now been toilet bound for 45 minutes and counting after arriving home feeling very unwell in agonising stomach pain.

Just had lunch at the College Arms. Chose the pomegranate, pear, avocado and quinoa salad with extra chicken. It was tiny and terrible value at £14. I could literally count the grains of quinoa, and there was hardly any avocado, pear or pomegranate. The additional chicken which cost £4 was 4 small slices with soggy skin included.

We hired the back room for a baby shower. It was absolutely perfect I highly recommend this venue. Helpful staff fantastic food. Lovely room and out door space. Stress free accommodating friendly pub. Also had Christmas dinner here.

Working in the area and in need of some lunch (and shelter on a rainy day), found this to be the most convenient place. Opted for the the two staters on the specials board to make up a lunch. So had temputa squid and a terrine of confit duck leg. Just about right!

Just been for lunch and and it was not good and I won't be going back.

Above average pub grub with a price . Nice garden service was a bit slow sometimes difficult to park

Went as a family food was very nice hot well presented we all ordered different food but it all came at the same time and the service was excellent nothing was too much trouble even though they were quite busy

Two qualifications before I begin, I went for Sunday lunch and this is not near me, so when I say draw back I take into account journey time. It is a pleasant pub and the staff were friendly and helpful. The food was fine without there being anything OI particularly recalled later, and as noted the staff were good for a busy Sunday lunchtime. A personal bugbear, it proved difficult to get the bill - never understand how that can make sense....

We were here to celebrate my twin brothers and I’s 40th Birthday - quite simply the whole experience was 5 stars.

On our second visit to the college arms the food and atmosphere were just as pleasing. However, the service really left a lot to be desired. In fact they brought up the dessert menu and 30 minutes later still had not returned to take orders. We asked for the bill and left. It took over two hours for a two course meal. I am due to return with friends this week and hope the service has improved.

I can’t thank Andy and the fantastic team at The College Arms for making my Sunday afternoon celebrations go so well....nothing was too much trouble which made the organisation for me so easy. The buffet supplied was plentiful and of course great quality food. I received so many messages to say what a lovely venue it is and compliments on the food and drinks supplied. Thank you once again to a great team x

Great pub....however just get ready for the con of giving you a grand cru champagne sized glass of Prosecco (100ml)..cmon guys at least use a 125ml flute... it’s plonk and should be either 125ml or only charged at £4..... this attitude is enough for me to go elsewhere...

Popped in halfway round a long circular walk on the off chance of finding a decent pint and a good meal; bullseye on both counts. Lovely Mosaic Gold on hand pump and the homemade sandwiches are excellent. The fish fingers are home made gujions and generous and tender. Recommended.

Cannot recommend this place enough! The best fish and chips I have ever had! The waiters knew all about coeliac and the importance of cross contamination, so many other gluten free options on the menu and many desserts. If you are ever in Hertford, go!

Excellent food, friendly staff, nice atmosphere, great decor, popped in passing one lunch time, got served quicky and seated straight away,highly recommended

And family friendly. Lovely food and lovely staff. Not cheap but good value. Portions large. Another hertfordshire gem. Only downside was the pitch black car park.

Thank you to Adele, our server, and Andi and the rest of her team for a splendid birthday lunch on a cold miserable day.

Went there yesterday for a late Sunday lunch as this is a local pub to us. Husband had the pork, which he said was good, however slightly upset as he didn’t get any crackling (we didn’t say anything as we assumed it was because we were late in the day) but someone on a neighbouring table ordered after us an got crackling... so I should have asked. I opted for lamb, which although perfectly cooked to my liking was incredibly chewy and there was much I couldn’t actually eat, which was a shame. Desert was amazing as was the wine... all in all a nice meal, shame about the negatives but I know that even though a joint looks tender, it doesn’t mean it is. That said we will return.

We love it, a must for anyone looking for a lovely breakfast at the weekend. Friendly service and excellent food every time. Thank you to the team for always looking after our family!