St Albans has been home to a market for over 1,000 years, originally controlled by the Abbey but, since 1553 controlled by the town (now city) under a Charter granted by King Edward VI. The market is held twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
The original layout of the market place can still be seen today in the long funnel shaped space between the Cathedral grounds and St Peter's church.
As well as at one time featuring 23 pubs in the area, the Charter Market Quarter has many historical links. It is the site of England's only remaining free-standing medieval civic clock tower and of the site of the First Battle of St Albans in 1455, which marked the commencement of the Wars of the Roses. Allegedly the Boot Inn played host to soldiers fighting in the battle.
Starting in the Waterend Barn 🅐, a pair of glorious 16th and 17th century barns moved to St Albans in the 1930s and 1960s for use as tea-rooms, and now a Wetherspoon's pub. There are several drinking areas and a wide range of cask ales on offer. A special Cask Ale Showcase starts on Thursday. Food is available all day with early morning breakfasts.
WALK 4 minutes. Turn right out of the pub then immediately right again down a footpath. Turn right into Victoria Street and at the junction cross the road and walk with St Albans Museum on your left onto Market Place. Turn left, and then turn right into Upper Dagnall Street to find The White Swan 🅑, a market pub for over 250 years.
WALK 3 minutes. Through Christopher Place shopping centre, across Verulam Road and down the beautiful George Street and you'll find Dylans @ The Kings Arms 🅒 in a beautiful medieval building. Be sure to check out the Deya Tap Takeover starting on Thursday.
WALK 1 minute. Back up George Street, onto High Street, and then turn right down a pathway called Waxhouse Gate. You will see the cathedral in front of you and the next pub on your right. The Mad Squirrel Tap 🅓 is a modern pub showcasing local beers, with a great view of the Cathedral. Check out the International Tap Takeover on the Thursday.
WALK 3 minutes. Turn right as you leave the pub and follow the path around to your left until you reach Holywell Hill. Turn left and walk up Holywell Hill until you reach the Peahen Junction with The Peahen 🅔 on the corner.
Once a coaching inn and now one of the two McMullen's pubs in the City Centre, having been owned by the Hertford brewer since 1936. Refurbished in 2024, it is a stylish, food-oriented pub which tends to attract a younger clientele, particularly in the evenings. The interior is decorated in a modern style, while outside a pleasant upgraded yard features lots of seating and a table-tennis table. Alongside the selection of McMullen's cask ales, a number of the brewery's craft keg offerings are also available.
WALK 2 minutes. On leaving the Peahen, cross the road diagonally and walk a very short way up Chequer Street. On your left you will see a narrow walkway called Boot Alley - this will lead you to The Boot 🅕.
Possibly one of the best medieval market place pubs in Britain. City-centre, Grade II-listed, one-bar pub dating back to 1422. The Boot-iful Beer Festival starts on Friday and will run over the weekend, serving locally and nationally sourced cask ales. Home-made food is all locally sourced. Families welcome until 6pm. Still ciders available on hand pump. The ancient grade I listed Clock Tower is outside the front door. The Abbey and Verulamium Park are nearby.
Note also:
The Fleur de Lys (now a cocktail bar called The Snug and possibly the oldest pub in St Albans, but sadly no longer serving cask ale).
Remaining reminders of various ex pubs, such as the Bat & Ball on Chequer Street (now a nail salon) and the Great Red Lion on the High Street (now Zizzi's).
The Maltings Shopping Centre - the site of the now defunct Adey & White brewery.
