The Hare and Hounds in St Albans

Friendly staff, and possibly the best Guinness in town. Good quality live music on Saturday. Challenge the Landlord to solve some physics-inspired puzzles

We had an enjoyable roast dinner here back in May 2022. However this time yet lunch menu had only four items: cheeseburger, chicken burger, chicken nuggets or cheesy chips… As a large group with dog, we decided it was going to be easier to stay and order from this limited choice. The cheeseburgers were unappealing, using the cheapest of burgers, whilst the chicken burger was made of reconstituted meat. We sat outside - but when we ventured into the pub to use the facilities, the pub smelt of stale beer and toilet cleaner. Not the nicest of experiences. We won’t be returning.

Really nice old style atmosphere in the old town of St Albans. Good choice of ales. Bar staff are super friendly.

This place is honestly easy and feels like home! People are so nice! I come here so often and this place is so special. Paul is lively and warm! His Irish spirit is something truly special! and Seb is an absolute legend and they both complement each other! I have been coming here for over 11years and this place has been part of the community. I cannot think of a better place to celebrate, chill or have a chat at! Its a must visit!

Top pub, great atmosphere and friendly staff. Best Guinness in town and definitely worth a visit. Old reviews are from past landlords.

The barman was drunk, aggressive and unfriendly. We went here for a pint to meet some friends. They had no ales or real ciders left on tap. Their open fire consisted of a few burning newspapers that made the pub stink of burning paper. There are three much better pubs within two minutes walk where they don't make you feel uncomfortable and unwelcome.

We should have booked a table as it was quite busy and the table we ended up at was not ideal. That said the food was excellent - I think it was a little overpriced but it was very good. We had the chicken and it was great. Had extra gravy which was a bonus as not all places seem happy to provide extra. Drinks are well priced and the service was excellent.

Until the first lockdown we used to go to the Hare and Hounds on Sundays for a superb roast. It was, then, a warm and welcoming pub with good food, cheerful service and ah cheerful general ambience. This time 7 of us went for lunch on a Friday. What we had was the worst meal I think I have ever eaten in 70+ years of eating out. Everything was just terrible: badly cooked, tepid, half warmed up. On the positive side the service was friendly and efficient,the soup ok, the beer good and they tolerated our dog.....but the contempt for diners, witnessed by what they were prepared to serve as food, was palpable. Never again.

We came here for the first time back in spring once lockdown restrictions were easing. The food on that occasion was yummy- we ordered a tapas selection which was delicious! We decided to revisit today and brought along our dog after a leisurely walk around St Albans park. This time my husband and I decided on the roast lamb and we were not disappointed! It makes such a change to have freshly prepared veg, homemade Yorkshire puddings and proper roast meat. Too often chain pubs use suppliers and end up cooking their meals from frozen- not at this fine pub- the staff, service and food was sublime and we will definitely be back soon!

Zero Stars... I live two minutes walk from this place, used regularly too for eating and drinks with friends and family. Despite being pricier than others, it's local. No more. My friend from abroad arrived here and he wanted to treat us for a meal. He had trouble getting into the Pub and used a door which was 'Exit Only' he was standing next to a table, when a gentleman (I recognise him him from the description, ought to know better) told him in a sarcastic tone, to go back out and around the pub and use the proper entrance door. My friend was too embarrassed to do the task due to onlookers, I felt so sorry for him.

Best roast dinner out in a long time. Staff very friendly. Proper roast potato, veg presented well and homemade Yorkshire. Will definitely be back

Nice pub in a good part of St Albans for walking to some of the "quieter" drinking establishments. Welcomed in a friendly way as we came in. Had a few nice beers on, and wine selection looked good if that's your thing. Was a mix of families, couples and groups and had a nice buzz about it. Only downside was it was a bit cold, ;-)

A cosy pub close to the city centre,a nice menu and good food along with quality attentive service nice backround music Unfortunately hand drier in gents out of order visited on a Tuesday so extremely quite and only a few other people

Whilst on a 12k walk my wife and I stopped at the Hare and Hounds for lunch. I have to say great food and very friendly staff. In the last 6 months we have visited this Pub 3 times for lunch and havent been disapointed on any visit.

I decided to take my mother out for lunch for her final day here and we had a brilliant time, she is often a fussy eater so finding a place she likes is a very nerve racking experience. I myself have eaten here couple of times so was excited to take her here for lunch as I've only had brilliant food. This time round we both ordered the burger which is excellent value for money and tastes amazing. The staff are friendly and inviting and the pub itself has a great selection of drinks available. After a few experiences of great tasting fresh food I will definitely be returning to give the rest of the menu a try.

We went to a pal’s party here. They hired the side garden area and it worked really well for lots of families to get together. A lovely place for a do. And a nice pub too.

Went to the Hare & Hound for the weekend with my family for the first time under new the ownership. I must admit what a lovely experience. We were made to feel very welcome and the service was first class! Well done and wishing you all the success! Hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. Will defiantly be popping in again soon!

This pub has bags of character with friendly and welcoming staff to go along with it. The food is home cooked and tasty. All in all a really enjoyable visit.

Visited today for Sunday roast. The staff were incredibly friendly and couldn't have been more helpful.The roast was excellent! Freshly cooked with beautifully crispy roast potatoes and loads of gravy... Best roast I've had out in a long time!Will definitely be visiting again soon!(Baby friendly too... Highchairs and changing facilities.)

Last time we went to the Hare and Hounds I was quite disappointed by what I experienced as a dull, listless, pre-sliced and not very good meal. But what a change...this time the Roasts were delicious, opulent, generous, clearly hand sliced and served with pride. A really excellent meal which we'll be delighted to repeat! Truly excellent British pub Sunday food!!!

Popped in for a quick one after work, very quiet but it was a Monday evening! Ambience was missing that a weekend would bring but still a charming pub. Only downside was the fire wasn’t on and it was a chilly evening out

We were last here in January 2017 and thought it was excellent in every way.. This time 5 of us went for Sunday Roast and two of us came away really quite disappointed. The same pleasant ambience, nice 60s fairly muted music and the same pleasant, warm, welcoming and efficient service and pretty well the same menu were there. Three of us had the chicken and loved it: generous in all respects, well cooked and hot. The two really disappointed ones, including me, had the lamb. It too came with wonderful vegetables and gravy, generous and tasty, but the lamb looked suspiciously liked it had been machine sliced, was quite tough, felt lie it has been hanging about for a while and, like everything else, was lukewarm at best. It is a shame. They try hard and its a nice place but, on this occasion,not good enough. But more of us enjoyed the meal than didn't, the vegetables were great, it was comfortable and warm so we'll go back again and try another, different, roast and see what happens. The Brownie with ice cream was great. Just wishe the whole meal had been.

Popped in last night to try the new menu, I ordered the Sicilian Sausage pizza from the specials menu and my partner ordered the Diavolo. Both were superb and perfectly cooked. With a beer as well it came to just £20 which is a bargain considering the quality of the food. Coupled with the warm hospitality that we always receive when visiting makes this one of my favourite pubs in St Albans.

Loving the new Italian menu! Amazing, authentic pizzas that even my Italian husband is raving about!

Popped in to try a pizza from the new italian menu, I had the caprino and it was lovely, need to go back and try some of the anti pasti and pastas I saw being delivered to other customers!

I have always loved this pub and now they have homemade pizza and pasta on the menu. Highly recommended and they have a great deal Monday to Thursday.

I am not someone who enjoys leaving bad reviews but I felt compelled to write a review based on our experience.

Hired function room. Great place for a party. Food was fab. Staff great and very helpful. Woukd definately hire again.

me & Badg & Jimi came down tonight, wild evening! old skool d&b; jungle happy hardcore all theclassics. Bosh bosh bosh bosh! On the bus home now but shall return! 😊😊😊

Okay, this evening would have been rated a single star had it not been for the wonderful and staff and owner intervention.

Sunday lunch menu is good for just that . Not much for non Sunday roast lovers . Fish or veggie option

We went visit the pub last night to have a lovely pub meal.

This pub has a lovely atmosphere. it is one the best in St Albans. It is situated in St Michaels near the lake and has a wonderful selection of bitters including guest beers. So tempting. The food too is exceptional on the whole, I have had quite a few dishes and they have always been good. I remember particularly pan fried pork belly with wonderful crackling. I have been going for a year now and run a local group there.

I visited last night for the first time with a few friends. The bar staff were very friendly and helpful. Great atmosphere. I will definitely be returning again soon.

First dropped by here on a Saturday cycle. Asked if they were still serving food, and was told yes, but not after 4pm. Thus get a couple of pints and take the menu to my friend with the bikes, and come back to order within 5-10 minutes, at about 10 minutes to 4pm. Am curtly told by the same bartender that the kitchen's closed, and that it closes 5-10 minutes before 4pm. Surely the most relevant piece of information to tell me is when last food orders are? Finished our pints quickly and tried to move on to find another pub still serving food.

Lovely burger and chips, great deal. Staff were extremely attentive and polite. Very happy with overall service.

Sun lunch meat well over cooked. Cabbage & carrots. It must have been cooked since early morn .standing at bar waiting for a drink all looks like a good deep clean would not be out of order. Not for me would not return

We visited there over Christmas, heard great things, just a drink but the bar owner (male) was so rude. Since telling people about this, they too have experienced the same thing, food is okay, but bar staff so rude. they have to realise without 'us' they wouldn't have a business. Such a shame as the pub is in a great location and looks great.

Had lunch here on Saturday. Great choice from the menu and specials board. 2 of us has burgers which tasted amazing, you can tell the meat was quality and my son had fish and chips. The fish was perfectly cooked with crispy batter. My husband and other son had grilled halloumi burgers which looked and tasted great. A friendly pub with a great atmosphere and great food.

Visited this pub with a group of friends and was really pleasantly surprised. The staff were so attentive, polite and helpful, the wine was great and the food was really really good! A wide varied menu with really reasonable prices - we had the sliders and Mac and cheese, of which there was loads and amazing value for money, and felt really home cooked and authentic! Would definitely come back here

Popped in for Christmas drinks. Great place. Nice atmosphere. Good beers on offer. They seem to do nice food too.

Dropped by for a Sunday roast yesterday. The service was excellent and both starters and main roast dinners were exceptional. Excellent quality and sized portions and a super range of beer to compliment. Highly recommended!

Treated my family to a weekend here in early November. We had previously come in February to check that it would suit our needs. Our room was lovely and spacious, with a view of the garden. It was spotlessly clean and I love the Molton Brown toiletries.

Had a wonderful afternoon/evening celebrating my sons 28th birthday with family and friends. The staff were all so happy and helpful .Nothing was too much bother .The food was delicious as was the wine . A big thank you to all the staff especially Dawn .

Popped in for a well deserved pint after a nice walk

We have now been here a few times for Sunday lunch.

I was here on a Saturday to celebrate a milestone birthday for my friend. This is a pub that I've regularly been passed, but never been in to and was glad to take the opportunity. This was a treat! A typical English pub feel inside, a good price on the drinks and the party went well. I'd certainly come back here again.

St Albans has many pubs and restaurants with many offering similar menus. I recently ate here with

This is one of the places my friends and I frequent. I especially enjoy sitting at the fireplace during the cold winter months. Really reminds me of home. In the summer, the garden is a better place to chill.

Excellent Sunday Roast & dessert. Friendly staff & garden. Live music most weekends and in the week!

Great in the summer, big garden with play equipment for the kids. On a rainy day there's a big box of toys to play inside. They offer a wide range of food and drink. Very friendly, helpful staff

My Mother in law contacted H&H; regarding if kids and dogs are welcome for Sunday dinner and when told they were booked us in for today. We were greeted in a very friendly manor and shown our reserved table. The pub is very traditional and has a warm friendly feel about it. The garden is fantastic with enough to keep kids occupied and wanting to come back. Service for a busy Sunday was quick and friendly with nothing a problem. 97 year old Nan was pleased with her kids Sunday Roast portion, still a generous size. Our 3 year old couldn't manage all hers and we were given a takeaway box to take the leftovers home. Nice Roast selection and very nice. Lamb was lovely. Highly recommend the Oreo Sundae for dessert.

Lovely summers day with good music, but was unfortunate to have ordered a lousy pint of beer, tried to persevere, but at today's prices I thought I would have a polite word to bar staff, it was agreed the pint wasn't quite right, opposed to giving me a fresh pint, I was presented with a half pint because I drunk almost half of the original pint. I suppose they were correct in replacing what I'd drunk, but rightly or wrongly I was expecting a replacement pint. My reaction to this service was to keep my money in my pocket and spend it later at a better and more welcoming pub, where the Landlord knows how to look after their beer and customers.

I have been to Hare and Hounds for a number of years since my late teens. In that time this pub has changed hands and the food has often been adequate and cooked to a high standard. What has changed, under current ownership, is the preparation and range of food has improved, with generous portions and quick service I have been left with an impression that this establishment is a place to be with friends and family. The food was matched by an excellent wine list and I also enjoyed the large selection of lagers and ales. All of the beverages and food is very reasonably priced...

Had a lovely experience at the hare and hounds on a sunny Saturday! I ordered a delicious chicken breast burger, which I was able to indulge in as the pub provide a gluten free alternative. My two children had a lovely day playing in the garden on the climbing frames and we were also happy with the fairly priced food and beverages. All staff were helpful and friendly and we will definitely be returning in the future!

Unless you are the size of a borrower do not order any food at this place, I ordered two 'light bites' for the cool price of £11...

Had a fab lunch with two other families: real ale, great service, garden to keep the kids busy, and good food (v happy with my pie!)...bit more personality than some other local pubs, and kids were made to feel welcome which is always a bonus!

Another great bar Cracking atmosphere Vibrant and friendly Just a superb stop on the crawl Good time had by all

We were last here about two years ago and returned with some trepidation: often seeing old friends is disappointing. This was definitely not so yesterday: same simple, straightforward menu, same simple straightforward layout, straightforward no nonsense, efficient service. The menu on Sunday is simply one of four different roast, including one suitable for pescatarians, some interesting starters and many delicious and seemingly decadent desserts. The roasts, we had a selection covering all the meat ones, were uniformly excellent, really generous and accompanied by a plethora of vegetables, great gravy (extra offered without being asked) and sauces. They really have cracked it: do the simple things well and without fuss. Great. We will be back again and not with a two year interval but, judging by the number of disappointed would be diners who had to be turned away, we'd be wise to book now...so would you!

The food was delicious! So happy we chose here to have a family Christmas meal. The portions were huge, everything cooked perfectly. Our waitress was fantastic.

A really nice, traditional pub. It felt very welcoming and the staff could not have been more accommodating as were a group of seven including two babies and a five year old. They gave us a nice big area and table so we could spread out and park the buggies. The menu was typical pub grub but its execution was way better than average with a good selection of veggie options too. Really good value for money.

Very friendly staff. Accommodating with dogs in the lounge. However the lounge area decor not as nice as the restaurant. Was plenty of space for our large group of family. Food was good.Good service. Within easy walking distance to the station and city centre.

The advertising campaign painted a marvellous picture of a veritable firework-night feast. Hand-made burgers and wild boar bangers with the splendid backdrop of the spectacular St. Albans firework display.

Had Sunday lunch here without pre-booking. Welcome first class; prompt service; hot, fresh food (choice of 3 meats,fish or vegetarian. Choice of starters and desserts.

This cosy pub has lots of inviting nooks and crannies including a small restaurant area suitable for kids, a bar with TV for rugby etc, a relaxed sofa area by the fire and a more private back bar that is sometimes hired out for private parties. There is a lovely garden with lots of equipment for primary age kids to clamber about on.

Ok, so this review seems to buck the trend on most on here, but anyways, here we go.

Went in for lunch with friends. Very good service. The interiors are just alright, although can be better maintained. Food wise, it was just above mediocre. Could easily be better with a bit more attention to detail. The lamb was a slightly too dry and so was the fish dish. The star of the lunch service had to be the drinks options, especially if you are a Gin drinker (like me). They have an entire Gin menu, fantastic selection of Gins. Nothing like a Hendricks with Elder flower Fever tree gin. Good selection of desserts too and the Oreo Sunday was very good.

We celebrated our daughter's 21st Birthday Party at The Hare & Hounds last night. We had exclusive use of the the private lounge/outdoor covered patio (which we were able to decorate ourselves just as we wished). Elaine and Paul were very helpful - nothing was too much trouble - and they made sure the party was a total success. The BBQ was scrumptious and we received many complements from our guest. Highly recommend The Hare & Hounds for your party/celebration. Thanks!

Must try the new cocktail menu, at last somewhere in St. Albans to drink cocktails in the sun and pretend you are on holiday! ☀️

I visited the hare and hounds today for lunch with my mum, sister and aunty and our food was really disappointing! The tuna and onion melt did not have any onion in it and the 'posh dog' was just a sausage shoved in a bit of stale bread. It didn't feel like much effort had gone into it any of it or that it was that fresh. Have had a really nice roast dinner there before but won't be returning after that.

Another great visit to the Hare and Hounds. Elaine and Paul are great hosts and Alina the chef cooks amazing food, roasts and gourmet burgers are delicious and the monthly pudding club is a must! We had a 2 yr old and a 12 yr old who love the garden and were occupied for hours whilst we enjoyed the sunshine and the sport on TV.

We moved away from the St Albans area to Scotland over 2 years ago...and today sprung a surprise visit on Elaine and Paul. There was no way we were coming all this way without calling in and we were welcomed back like family! Great tasty sandwiches for lunch...chunky doorstep bread filled us up! Make sure you visit this pub for a really friendly welcome. Cheers ears!

This pub is a gem to go to in St Albans. The food is very reasonably priced - love the Harey burger (every filling you ever wanted!)! Perfect pub to chill out with friends, family or even on your own (the bar staff are a good bunch to talk to).

myself and my husband went to the hare and hounds last night for dinner, pie mash and veg, a pint and a pudding for £10, all im going to say wot a a cracking deal, the food was gorgeous, and the pudding was lovely, bar staff very attentive and friendly. over all experience very nice indeed. would highly recommend a visit if you are in the area.

Took the family here for lunch on Father's Day and what a great place!!

Decided to have leaving drinks and a bite to eat here! Food was fantastic!! Compliments to the chef!! Moving on to drinks it was a busy evening but the bar staff remained cool calm and charming handled themselves very well! After a few wines and a few of their wide selection of drinks all our needs were tended to and couldn't be any more happy with the service and great big thank you to all the staff for having us I will certainly be returning in the near future

Quite simply the best family-friendly pub in St Albans I've found. It's clear the owners care about service, quality and going the extra mile to make every visit a special one. Food menu is delicious & high grade meat sourced from local Hedges Farm but still reasonably priced, cooked with care by their talented chef. You can tell the building has history and this adds to the atmosphere. Lovely contained garden with slides and climbing frame to keep littlun's entertained. Wide selection of ales for CAMRA lovers. Frequent events and charity activities. Most recommended.

I visit St Albans regularly to see family and we always pay a visit to The Hare and Hounds. Such a lovely pub with a warm atmosphere and friendly staff. Great selection of ales and wines. Cosy in the winter and a lovely family garden for drinks on a Summers day

A lovely pub, family run and lovely garden! Recently had a party, very well run and organised! Will definitely be back soon for a Sunday roast.

Have visited a number of times and have always had a great experience! Staff are really friendly, great atmosphere and lovely food! Really recommend.

Lovely pub, great roast dinner and great for kids - toys and a big garden. Excellent gin selection too - you will not be disappointed!

This pub drifted for a while, until Paul and Elaine took it on, and it's become a wonderful place to sit, relax, have a drink, and enjoy great food too. The garden has been improved greatly, so the outside area is great for us parents to chill whilst the kids do what they do best!

Great for families, big garden, lots of space for the kids to play and they've always got the BBQ out! We always pop round for a drink when the suns out, it helps they have a great gin selection!

Lovely local pub, with a large back garden, great for families with small children in the summer. Landlord does the best fires in the winter, great to sit round with your friends and a bottle of red or 2!!

This is a great pub, definitely my favourite in St Albans. It's got a great atmosphere, nice food, friendly staff and a massive garden with (most importantly) stuff for the kids to do so they are entertained. Highly recommended!

My husband and I have enjoyed a few meals here. They do a great burger meal deal - burger and a pint for £10. You can also have a glass of house wine instead if you prefer. The staff are very friendly and there is a good sized garden to enjoy in the nice weather. The food is all locally sourced and made to order. Food is served after 6pm on weekdays. Great selection of beers, larger anf wines. some wine is quite pricey but the house white is resonable and very nice. Very popular with locals and families. Would recommend

This is a decent enough pub although with a poor range of beers for St Albans, it is clearly not aiming for the CAMRA market, especially as the advertised discount turned out to be just 10p per pint, rather than the usual 10%.

One of our favourite pubs in St Albans. Good food, affordable prices and friendly staff. They still have that real cosy vibe of historic pubs that just makes you want to hang out there forever. There is a nice fire in the winter and garden in the summer, worth a visit!

Discovered this lovely local does a monthly pudding club on the last Sunday of the month. We went along tonight and there was an amazing offering of homemade desserts from tiramisu to Nutella cheesecake and all topped off with a glass of dessert wine. Brilliant way to round off the week and can't wait for the next one!!

Had a very pleasant Sunday lunch with my children and granddaughters today , roasts very good albeit could of been slightly hotter but plenty of meat and fresh veg.

Very friendly, a limited menu and the roast was not the best, potatoes were not freshly cooked, vegetables over cooked and frozen Yorkshire puddings, I would go back for a drink but not to eat.

I've been to the hare and hounds a few times now

Warm, friendly & comfortable historic pub that supports the community with lots of local events every month. They serve a good pint & a great meal very reasonable priced - there is even a Pudding Club once a month! Elaine works really hard to get it right & she does.The pub has a great atmosphere. Highly recommended.

Perfect evening on Saturday celebrating husband's special birthday. Elaine and her team ensured we all had the best time! The food was delicious, hot and the timing was perfect - big compliments from all the family. Would highly recommend the Hare and Hounds as a fabulous venue for large gatherings - very homely and welcoming.

We booked a table for 13 and had a lovely evening - Elaine and team made us feel welcome. All the meals (chosen from this Christmas menu) were excellent, perfectly cooked (no soggy anything), served together and quantity more than sufficient. Same goes for the puddings. Good value for money too. Would definitely go back.

Lovely pub! Lovely food! Lovely beer! Very child friendly with a large grassy garden as well as outside drinking area! Great!

Having lived here for two years and eaten and drank in every establishment this is by far my favourite pub to drink, eat, socialise and watch sport. The staff are so genuinely happy to see you and the food is delicious. They are so good at doing theme days and brilliant for kids entertaining. My whole family have been here many times whilst visiting and love it.

Family friendly food; build your own burger was a hit, as was the fish goujon burger. Our son particularly liked the liked the climbing frame!

went here on a whim for sunday lunch, there was a few people in when we arrived but it started to fill as time went on. i had the chicken and my partner the beef. the food arrived piping hot and i could tell as soon as i put my fork into the chicken that it was good quality and perfectly cooked. the chicken was delicious and locally sourced the veg was perfectly cooked and the plate was full but if i am honest i would have like a tiny bit more veg but that is me just being greedy! my partner enjoyed the beef too he said 'it was perfectly cooked and enough of it' a ringing endorsement haha! i also had the baked cheesecake which was to die for yummy cheesecake and a biscuit base which i think had toffee or something in it was so good!! i rarely have desserts when i am out as i find them a rip off but was not dissappointed by this one. all in all i would definitely recommend this as a place to eat

Is this a burger bar! No it's a traditional pub in st albans so why take that away, the music was so loud that the patrons spoke louder, the meal well I had the healthy option ho grilled honey chicken which was anaemic and sauce poured over the top with a mound of salad,my husband had the burger which he paid £1extra for jalapeño to only see 2 slices, but I must say he enjoyed it, the waitress came and took away my plate whilst my husband was still eating with not a word, even asking how was the meal! I should have realised when I walked into the pub no one was eating, a nice place to drink but not to eat.