The Hollybush in St Albans

We were very disappointed with our visit to the Holly Bush for lunch today. It is a lovely building which used to always be clean and bright with highly polished brasses but now looked less so and the menu which was always extensive and interesting is now plain and boring. The service was very slow, apparently the oven stoped working but this was not explained until the simple food, 3 sandwiches and a jacket potato, arrived and the person serving us was obviously not happy, and we felt that we were something of a nuisance for being there! We have taken many friends there in the past but not any more.

We had high hopes for this tucked away village pub but none of us could really garner enthusiasm during the course of our meal. I am sure this little pub has great potential, however. It was not busy at all...1/4 full but the food service was slow. We got the impression that meals were being cooked per one person per one table at a time, and below the standard we would expect for a simple pub meal. Salt snd pepper squid was over cooked intead of being lightly golden. Fish pie was dry and the leafy greens served were not cooked and inedible. Atmosphere lacking any warmth. We also agree from previous comments, that this pub is overpriced. Overall disappointed and we won't return.

Looked at going here a number of times, but always closed when we want to go. Having eventually gone there, a real hidden gem. Location 10/10, food 5/10, service 1/10. My guess it's a family run business who have no passion and generally don't want to be there. My advice, sell it to someone who really wants to run a pub properly, and be open all day everyday like all other pubs.

Over 50 pubs close a month because of a lack of customers/punters. You rarely get traditional pubs with a pool table good music and good vibes but the hollybush backs the trend. The land lady Alice and her partner Pete are truly incredible. Traditions of a pub originate to community, socialising and gathering. Guys keep up the good work

Amazingly unfriendly, very expensive for a basic menu and sandwiches the cost of a meal elsewhere; a potentially nice garden but with seats so low and uncomfortable they seem designed to cripple adult users. Waste of a great building and location.

Disappointing to be honest. Expensive and ordinary food. £13 for a sausage sandwich, small side salad. My Seafarers wasn't bad but not good either. The Pride wasn't finished.