The area bounded by London Road, Holywell Hill, Sopwell Lane and Keyfield Terrace is one of the oldest areas of St Albans.
The route along Sopwell Lane and up Holywell Hill was once the main road from London to the Midlands and the North West - until it was replaced by London Road in the 1790s, and then by the M1. Until the M1 was opened the London Road / Holywell Hill junction was said to be the busiest road junction outside London. This area is packed with interesting pubs, some open and some no longer with us.
Starting at The Goat 🅐, a classic 16th century coaching inn, which once had stabling for over 70 horses, with a very interesting interior. Situated a short walk from the cathedral, the pub is comfortable and welcoming. The garden includes TV screens for live sport and families are welcome. Food is served including Sunday roasts and there are occasional live bands. The pub is operated by Charles Wells but guest ales from other breweries are also usually available.
WALK 2 minutes. On leaving the pub, turn left and follow the road to The White Lion 🅑, a 16th century, two bar pub, with the tiny snug bar on the right of the entrance.
WALK 1 minute. Turn left out of the front entrance of the pub and you will see the Hare & Hounds 🅒 in front of you, a listed 17th century pub opposite the White Lion. A special Brains Tap Takeover starts on Friday.
WALK 1 minute. On leaving the pub, cross Sopwell Lane and walk a very short way up Keyfield Terrace before turning left into Albert Street where you will find The Garibaldi 🅓.
A 19th century pub with Fuller's beers and a traditional interior; a fine example of a back-street local, situated in the heart of Sopwell. The landlord has previously won the Fuller's Master Cellarman award. Home cooked roasts on Sunday (booking advised). A genuine community pub, hosting various charity events. Three TVs showing sports events, one outside in the garden. Live music from Kevin Clynes on Saturday night.
WALK 1 minute. Turn left as you leave the pub, and turn left back into Keyfield Terrace. You will see the White Hart Tap 🅔 in front of you. First licensed in 1841 it was originally probably a 'tap' for the White Hart Hotel. Cosy one bar pub. A Tring Tap Takeover starts on Thursday with Meet The Brewer and Herts Beer of the Year Presentation events on Friday evening.
WALK 1 minute. Turn left as you leave the pub. Walk along Keyfield Terrace, continuing as the road becomes a pedestrianised path. You will find The Beehive 🅕 on your left, a late 18th century pub with a good selection of beers. Multiple special events are happening over the weekend, including an XT Tap Takeover starting on Thursday, live music from the Maida Vales on Saturday night, Quiz Night on Sunday and their regular 25% Club on Monday.
Note also:
Key Field was a large open area used for grazing up to the time London Road was built - thus Keyfield Terrace - and was separated from St Albans proper by a large Celtic ditch - the Tonman Ditch - now filled in.
What was the Crown & Anchor, on the corner of Sopwell Lane and Holywell Hill. It dates from the first half of the 15th century and is one of the few remaining unreconstructed medieval inn buildings (now a private residence). There were another six pubs on Holywell Hill alone - spot the clues!
