The Harpenden Arms in St Albans

We had a lovely cosy Sunday pint in The Harpenden Arms, it’s had a recent refurb and is lovely inside. Ethan behind the bar was really friendly, he deserves his food and drink recs in the menu!

Well kept ales - ESB/London Pride etc. Welcoming bartenders at this fine establishment. An excellent Sat evening environment. 😊👍🏻

There’s no sky that’s it really I like the pub but I can’t go there and watch the football and cricket so I would go if you don’t like sport

Best roast in.harpenden. It never disappoints. The cuts of beef are soft and has flavour. The veg the the York pud all amazing and they even have cranberry sauce. Not everyone does. After a late Saturday night this is the perfect pick me up!. With a tropical pale ale it's great

Lovely place but jeez girl serving needs to get a personality 😴 omg no customer service/ interaction whatsoever.....might have been a robot 🤷

Proper pub. Good selection. Crowded, noisy, what you want in a pub on a Friday night. Really, really good.

We arrived to a buzzing atmosphere - lots of chatter and laughter. We were seated and received our meals quickly - despite being told that one of the Chefs was in a car accident and that we'd have a short delay! The food was lovely. The wine, of course .. Our waiter, Ian, was very kind and helpful. So pleased, we're going again in a couple of weeks!

Absolutely lovely location for a nice quiet drink during the day. Great prices. Great social events weekly and a lovely service from staff. Staff member called Kieran is on point. Great going guys. You've made a repeat customer here.

Staff are very helpful and the food is lovely

Great atmosphere, friendly staff. perfect local pub

Great place with great knowledgeable staff. food was fantastic. whole team welcoming and friendly. brought the dogs with us and the staff all came over for a fuss. Will definitely return.

Excellent food, very attentive and friendly staff. Pub quiz was great and the atmosphere was very welcoming

Excellent experience, our server Emily was helpful and sweet. Food was amazing.

great atmosphere staff was very friendly our server was a lovely young woman polite and very good at her job highly recommend!!

This pub is on the pricey side compared to other locals in the town. However the service is good and the staff are friendly. I stopped here for a drink and tapas. I sat in the bar area and not the dining area. They actually had their heating on which was lovely as it was a chilly day. Many pubs have radiators but don't use them. I like atmosphere here it feels like a busy at times pub with a yuppie feel!

Staff were rude and not helpful. Food wasn’t fully done (burger bun was still cold evidently recently defrosted) Shame as it used to be a good pub

Enjoyed the Easter weekend here with friends and had the Sunday roast which was amazing. However the glasses were all filthy - this is the only reason not giving 5 stars. Food quality was awesome, quantity all happy with but we all felt the dishwasher or bar girls could have done a better job than standing around.

Just had some of the best food wonderfully cooked and presented. The staff are and manager made it a great night. Thank you.

We booked in advance for a party of 8 adults and 2 small children. The service was friendly and attentive. The food however was very poor. We ordered 5 roasts all of which turned up luke warm or cold. The vegetables were very measly. I'm not one for large portions, I much prefer quality over quantity but 1 small carrot, a table spoon of cauliflower cheese and 1 small roast potato is ridiculous. We informed the waiter the food was cold and it was taken away to be warmed. 20 minutes later and we were still waiting at which point I approached the bar to ask for the manager and was informed he was in the cellar and would be up to speak to us. Another almost 10 minutes passed and finally the manager arrived to discuss. The food just arrived as we were pointing out the issues. The food was warm, not hot but by this point it was almost one and a half hours since we had ordered. The beef was poor to average, the dish under seasoned. The leeks were undercooked and the gravy watery. Even though the manager did offer a discount I would rather have good quality and pay for it. The only silver lining was the pinot noir was surprisingly decent.

Very nice evening at the Harpenden Arms. Nice food and very good service from the bar staff, especially Louis who sorted us out with everything we needed.

March 24. Some remodeling carried out, less range of beers, but still nice. Previous review: Clean and tidy. Good range of beers.

I only called in for a drink. It isn't the cheapest pub in the town.

The roast beef is probably one of the best in harpenden and I have had a few. The flavour of everything and the crispness. Meat is yuml Delicious!

This pub made me and my partner feel uncomfortable. He arrived before me and ordered himself and I a drink, but to be told he would not be served both drinks as they needed to see my ID. We are both 25. This left him awkwardly waiting for me to arrive before being served, even though he had his own ID! I think its strange to think a 25 year old would be with anyone under the age of 18 firstly, although I so understand needing to ID customers who look young but it just wasn’t a warm welcome to be immediately ID’d at the bar when it was a Sunday evening and dead quiet! The lagers are extremely expensive too.

Lovely pub. Very good grub & decent selection of beers 😊🍺

We went to this pub after a glorious walk in the the Harpenden countryside. I know I needed a well deserved drink after that. I ordered a large pint of Peroni for £6:45 and nice and chilled. They also do a smaller pint if you prefer. The atmosphere on a Saturday night was lively and the woman bathroom’s are super! The decor was great and I liked that they add hand cream to go with the hand wash. I only put a star down, because I have not tried the food. But yes if I’m in the area again I would not mind going here again.

We were four adults and two young children, and we went for a Sunday Roast at 3pm. The pub was really busy with drinkers and diners of all ages, nevertheless, our reserved table was ready for us. Our waitress was a young lady called Hayley. She proved to be excellent, being patient, caring, knowledgeable and happy to make dish suggestions for the children. We ordered a various roast dinners, the children making their own selections from the Kids Menu. The food was great, the wine we ordered was terrific, and the atmosphere in the pub was very friendly and jolly. We thought that the bill was very fair, and hence we shall definitely be return at some future date.

We were four adults and two young children, and we went for a Sunday Roast at 3pm. The pub was really busy with drinkers and diners of all ages, nevertheless, our reserved table was ready for us. Our waitress was a young lady called Hayley. She proved to be excellent, being patient, caring, knowledgeable and happy to make dish suggestions for the children. We ordered a various roast dinners, the children making their own selections from the Kids Menu. The food was great, the wine we ordered was terrific, and the atmosphere in the pub was very friendly and jolly. We thought that the bill was very fair, and hence we shall definitely be return at some future date.

Delicious food (although husband's steak was a little burnt), excellent service and a lovely atmosphere. Will definitely be returning!

Horrendous! Too busy, not venues fault but nowhere near enough staff serving or clearing. Waited to be served for 10 minutes then gave up and went elsewhere.

Great choice of beers, great service, just a little pricey, hence only 4 stars, but I guess it is Harpenden 🤷🏻‍♂️

Good Pub, good atmosphere, little on the pricey side

Great local pub with a cozy atmosphere, popular pub quiz nights, and fantastic fish and chips!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Had an exceptional experience at the Harpenden Arms during our Christmas party with the Solar Centre team. The accommodating staff ensured a seamless evening where not a moment was wasted waiting. The food was a culinary delight, leaving our taste buds enchanted. The pub's vibrant atmosphere mirrors its thriving spirit, and it's heartening to witness the venue looking refreshed and new. Special thanks to Vic for impeccable service, Bex for flawless organization, and the head chef whose culinary prowess elevated our dining experience. The Harpenden Arms is a gem, and our night was truly magical. Kudos to the entire team! 🌟🥂

We were there after the turning on of the Xmas lights. It was buzzing with a lovely mix of people from the area. It was very busy but handled really well. The food came out within the timeframe the bar staff set out when ordering. Great to see a pub doing so well and the kids loved it to. Will be back soon!

great place to pop in for a drink with friends, amazing food since the refurb and looks lovely with all the lights. George served me and was amazing.

Very busy pub with a good atmosphere

Brilliant atmosphere. Busy pub on a Friday evening just as it should be

Glows like a beacon at the top of the high street! Both of the ales I had were very good.

Had a Christmas dinner. It was lovely. The table was beautiful and the staff were lovely. Food so much better than before the refurb. Will defo come back.

Visited with friends for a pre-ordered Christmas set menu. I arrived first and had to prompt a barman who was staring into space after serving one customer, while a lady before me and I were ignored so I could be directed to our table. No offer of a drink so had to make a return visit to the bar. The meal was slightly above average (great roast potatoes!) but expensive and we had to wait over five minutes for the waitress to find salt and pepper. Then cranberry sauce, which should have been on the table already - as it was all set up beautifully for us. Some of the group ordered coffees, which arrived one by one in ten minute intervals so took ages and one was undrinkable and taken off the bill. We had asked for floater coffees at first but were told there was no cream, which seemed like an excuse as the desserts came with cream! So overall OK but I won't be returning. There are much better establishments in Harpenden.

Came for a nice, cosy dinner with some friends. The Christmas lights are up & made for such a warm & inviting festive spirit. The live band was great, delicious food & even though it was exceptionally busy, the staff were attentive and so lovely. I would defo recommend - especially for a Xmas tipple with some friends!!

A total disaster! If I could give a zero star review on TripAdvisor then I would! After a morning of house-hunting in Harpenden to move to the area, we had booked into the pub for Sunday lunch to celebrate my 30th birthday. We were sat towards the back of the restaurant which was very cold, despite the fact we asked to have the heating turned up. We had to wait 50 mins for our starters - which was focaccia/charcuterie board/tomato soup. So 2 cold starters and soup. 50 minutes! We then waited about 45 minutes - and no sign of our main courses. We had been in the restaurant nearly 2 hours at this point. No other tables had food at their tables. We asked the manager at the bar about our food and were told the food was “literally in the lift on the way up” to our table, so went and waited. Another 10 mins passes. We ask again… “it’s just coming now, 1-2 minutes”. Another 5 minutes passes. Manager then comes over to say the food will be “about another 5-10 minutes” but the moment had passed and our 30th birthday celebration ruined. So we got the bill and left. The manager, when we complained, was extremely combative and not once apologised. Instead, he blamed “a function upstairs and a function downstairs”. If you’re THAT busy then DONT ACCEPT BOOKINGS IN THE RESTAURANT. Incredibly rude staff - and so disappointing - given the celebration and that we had hoped to find a new “local” after our day of house-hunting. My 30th birthday lunch - because of this appalling restaurant and staff - ended up being a sausage sandwich in Simmons. Happy birthday to me!! 😡 Avoid, avoid, avoid!!!

Went for drinks on a Saturday evening, very busy and no seating available. Service was very good and there was a nice atmosphere in the bar. Staff were friendly and helpful and I will definitely be going there again.

I found this to be a very noisy pub, so much so that I couldn't hear the person sitting opposite me. The drinks were fine but the table was wet and dirty. I wouldn't rush back. No rating for food as we did not eat here.

Such a lovely atmosphere. Place was spotless. Staff were friendly and helpful. We had sandwiches and a dessert all very tasty. We were going to go on to another place but ended up staying in here as as it was a nice relaxed atmosphere and we wasn't rushed. Highly recommend

Just for a pint and resting from shopping. At long last visiting this pub after all these years!! Great pub loves the decos. Very relaxing atmosphere.

I pop in on the odd occasion and its a very nice pub. Only ever had a drink and bar snacks can't comment on the food. Nice selection on tap and the bar staff are always professional and welcoming.

Not ethnic friendly. Just had to leave as a group were openly throwing 'heil hitler' signs and the staff did not intervene. Very uncomfortable experience.

What a lovely pub, the food was fabulous, the whole place is immaculate , and the service was brilliant, Vicky was so friendly and professional, we didn’t catch the other servers name but she was incredible ! Definitely worth booking a table , the pub is under new management and she is awesome. Well done Harpenden Arms 11/10

I didn't eat here, so I can't comment on the food. The service was swift and the barman polite, despite it being very busy.

Our first visit, but won't be our last. The lime cheesecake was amazing 👏

Nice and open very light pub with a great atmosphere. The "Harpenden Arms" is a historic pub located in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, England. It has been a part of the local community for many years and is known for its traditional British pub atmosphere. The pub likely offers a range of drinks, including beers, ales, and meals as well. Please note that the pub can get very busy on Friday and Saturday nights. International sports can be viewed in an upstairs room (ticket required)

The food and ambiance of the place was lovely but staff are not quite vigilant with the needs of the customer

absolutely wonderful bar staff , extremely helpful and nice people . lovely atmosphere at the bar and the restaurant !

Bloody expensive and the beer was shocking. Was served a flat pint in a dirty glass, when we complained the server just poured it into another glass put it on the bar and walked off.

Extremely expensive for the poor service we received. Very slow bartenders and poor service. Seemed very unsure on the clear order we asked for and overcharged us and had to get a manager

Amazingly good Sunday Roast. Beef roast was almost a steak 🤣

We went to the quiz night and had a great time! Callum, the manager was great and very attentive. The atmosphere was buzzing, everyone seemed to be loving it. We're going back this Thursday.

Friendly staff excellent location

Decent atmosphere, not a free house so choice of beers is pretty small, but the food was pretty decent. Also they have a quiz night on Thursdays, just don't expect to be able to win by yourself (as I did).

From an old skool boozer showing live sports in a light and friendly atmosphere, to a modern family friendly pub, a positive evolution.

Staff and Service were Excellent. Plus, the food was pretty good.

Very lovely and nice place to enjoy

Eugini and Callum Fantastic venue ,great atmosphere.once you walk in a venue ,,you are greater with a smile . The stars are the craft beers! Thank you , definitely coming back!

I really enjoy visiting the Harpenden Arms, a Fullers pub with a London vibe in the centre of Harpenden! A great selection of Beers wine and spirits. The menu is also good. My one criticism is that it is not always available with many and varied excuses. Our chef has cut a finger off, is on maternity leave, too busy with a function amongst others!

In Harpenden this is your best bet for some craft beer on the main high street. The pub is well decorated and staff are friendly.

Great pub. They were very accommodating for our group. Highly recommended!

Booked a table for 11 people (mix of adults and children) for a Sunday Roast and had a lovely time. Callum, the manager, was very accommodating and attentive, was great with the children and made sure we were well looked after. Food was great, pub itself is very well presented and everyone enjoyed themselves. Couldn't ask for anything more really. Would definitely recommend.

Walk in at 10.15pm Tues 28 Feb. 2 staff. Sorry sir we're understaffed so can't see you...... Jobsworths. Why will I return? Can't be f***ed is no place I wanna be...... I used to be a regular...... Bye bye Fullers.........

Nice atmosphere, decent beer, menu could be bit longer

Even a meeting with the bar manager pre the day was a pleasure. Accomodating friendly and professional. The staff did a fantastic job the food was perfect for the occasion and we were constantly being checked on to see if everything was going well. Couldn't recommend The Harpenden Arms any higher. Was a job very well done. Me and my partner even had a nice drink and chat with the staff whilst we waited for a lift home. We will be back 100%

Lovely Sunday roast,recommend it to anyone

Nice pub, dog friendly and good chips. Wish there were more gluten free and vegan food options tho. I'd love a roast there!

Used the Fullers ap before visiting & won a free pint of beer ! Also had a tasty lunch here.

Don't work for them they'll send you a p45 when you leave un filled in so when you have to pay your taxes you don't have any of your information tried to contact their head office multiple times they don't answer the phone , I've also emailed them and got no response, frankly very embarrassing for them as by law there supposed to give you your p45

Dom was amazing and provided incredible services to all our guests

Friendly staff and overall good service. We felt the quality of the food could improve.

I am here too often. Great beer selection, always great bar-food (love the chips). Good Sunday Roasts. Harpenden is blessed with a number of good pubs- The arms is as good as any. It suffers in the summer with no beer garden, but in the winter is a great place to while away a few hours with a decent pint or three. And a word of praise for the staff- always upbeat and friendly.

You have to be clairvoyant to anticipate when this place is open. Don’t rely on their food either, despite being within 100 metres of 3 supermarkets and a bakery they’re almost always out of bread. Fullers should hang their heads in shame. If you’re passing, keep on walking.

Our daughter and son-in-law had (weeks prior to our arrival) booked a Christmas meal for six of us, and paid a £60 deposit. A high table opposite the bar had been reserved for us, but nothing had been done in readiness to make it appear welcoming or Christmas like, although, when we had finished our meal, a man appeared with a box of Christmas crackers, asking “Do you want crackers” and three were put on the table, which by then was a pointless gesture. After we had been seated for about ten minutes, a young man appeared. He was holding a piece of paper and told us, casually, that we could not have the meal we ordered, and would have to order from the (usual) menu, but as there were not many meals available, he had written down the options, which included a couple of starters, a couple of deserts and main courses of burgers or fish and chips. No apology or gesture of any kind was made. The establishment knew, in the morning, that they were not able to fulfil their obligation, but no attempt was made to pass on this information, until we were seated at 14:00 hrs expecting the three course Christmas meal which had been booked. When our family went to the bar to complain that what was on offer was not acceptable, a member of staff became aggressive and said he was not happy that they were “insulting our food”, and rudely stated that there was nothing that could be done to make the situation a little more palatable for our party. It was too late to book somewhere else and we had no option but to order. One burger was sent back to the kitchen because it was so unpalatable, but the other meals were eaten/part eaten as we were all extremely hungry but the burgers were poor quality , as was the fish. The portions of chips portions of chips were small and, clearly, any opportunity to make additional effort for us, had been overlooked. After the meal, a further complaint was made, and this time a manager came and made a suitable gesture. This came far too late and, because none of the available options were made to attempt to acknowledge and compensate for the blatant failure to fulfil their obligation to existing customers, who had paid a deposit in good faith, I would advise that no one books a ‘special’ meal at The Harpenden Arms in the future.

Love the Arms and that was why we chose it for a work xmas meal - there was over 100 of us all in but that dis not phase the team who delivered great service, food in good time and lovely plates from beginning to end. Rob and Gemma make it look easy. Lovely atmosphere as well with Christmas music and crackers - it was a great afternoon for all - thanks

Really good beer but a bit pricey but well worth a visit

Excellent Christmas lunch with exceptional service.

Great to see my Fullers favourite Black cab stout available, I thought I had to go into London to get this in a pub! Over the moon.. stayed for another and will return!

A bit expensive for being outside London but a good atmosphere.

Restaurant was cold no heating on, they put on when we asked. Bar staff not particularly friendly, waiting staff nice, food ok wasn’t bad enough to send back. It’s changed so much. No very comfortable, food nothing special, could be served warmer. Shame, when you look forward to going out. Walls very dirty with cobwebs. Will not be returning was one of our favourite pubs as beer good,

Lovely little bar love the doggy of the month wall but a good selection of beers and the staff were very friendly

Good. Do not always have full set of beers of other fullers places such as seasonal ales. But a good pub in centre of Harpenden.

An excellent pub and a great venue for an 18th birthday party. We reserved the area downstairs for a range of people ranging from young cousins to grandparents. The staff, especially the manager Callum, did everything to make the event a success. The food, including sandwiches for the kids and sliders for the teens, was excellent and enjoyed by all, the drinks were good value and the atmosphere excellent. Thank you Callum and the team.

Great friendly staff and atmosphere.

Great pub - solid beer selection, lovely setting, and the best chicken burger I've had (buttermilk batter with beef brisket and emmental)

Gave 4 star purely due to the service. Fantastic host and great seveice all round. Food wise is slightly less. Nothing fundamentally wrong for it and I suppose in reflection decent pub food but wouldn't rate the food alone higher than 3*. Decent beer selection which tends to rotate.

Me and 3 friends called in for something to eat and a few beers on a Friday afternoon. Beers were great, the buttermilk chicken burger was exceptional! Great service from Callum and the team, really made us feel welcome. We will definitely be back and I couldn't recommend highly enough!

Patrick was the most amazing host for my sisters baby shower ! Thank you so much you made our day !

Great place to go to get some food or drinks. Staff are very friendly and there is plenty of space for seating. Located in a nice area too.

Was told the kitchen was shut... only to be given a bowl of chips for free 15 minutes later! Very friendly staff and lovely atmosphere. The chips were great and prices reasonable. Will be sure to go back again soon.

Lovely food, great atmosphere, lovely works do

visited on Monday for the second time, great food & service. Defo the best chicken wings in Harpenden !

Sorry it has taken such a long time to post this review, but I would like to say a big thank you for my Birthday surprise in your function room way back in May. I want to especially mention the manager who went to great lengths to ensure we had a great evening. It was his idea to take a group pic at the end (and even produced a step ladder to do it)! A great reminder of a very special evening. Linda