The northern end of the Market is dominated by St Peter's church - one of the three churches originally built by the Saxons on the main pilgrim routes into St Albans, it was rebuilt in the Victorian era. Just before St Peter's are some of the oldest cottages in St Albans (their facades are covered in render), and one of the original Parish Workhouses (now an estate agents). On St Peter's Street, on the way to the Jolly Sailor, is a fine row of alms houses from 1627, with another (from 1736) to be seen on Hatfield Road, on the way to the Mermaid.
The northern end of the Market Place saw some of the fiercest fighting in the First Battle of St Albans in 1455. The Bernards Heath area, just north of the Jolly Sailor, was the site of the defeat of the Yorkist forces in the second battle, six years later.
There's also a lot of music history in the area!
Starting at the Saint & Sinner 🅐, recently converted into a pub by McMullens, this is a significant and careful 2023 conversion of a Grade II* listed building. The grounds were once extensive, now being occupied by the nearby Alban Arena, the Magistrates’ Court and Waterend Barn.
There's a comfortable and modern feel with several dining areas and a wide menu which also features non-gluten and children's options. Brunches are available from 8am Mon-Sat and 9am on Sunday. Two McMullen cask ales are on handpump, sometimes including a Mac's seasonal brew. The pub specialises in cocktails. The bar opens at 10am. Weekend Live music and DJ events are being developed. Have a game of shuffleboard!
WALK 2 minutes. Turn right into St Peter's Street and stay on the same side of the road until you reach The Cock 🅑.
A late 16th or early 17th century city centre pub, with musical connections to Donovan, Maddy Prior and Steeleye Span. Now a modernised, busy and well-run pub with TV screens in the small bar area and a large restaurant at the rear offering excellent set and a la carte menus. There is an extensive range of bottled beers in addition to cask ales served from four hand pumps. Live music from Dirty Dog Band on Saturday night.
WALK 1 minute. Cross the road from the Cock and you'll be in the Blacksmiths Arms 🅒.
An early 20th century mock Tudor building, outside of which Rod Argent and his friends formed The Zombies. Now a city centre pub with a lively, youthful vibe. The traditional interior is complemented by an impressive garden featuring heated beach huts and a garden room called The Forge which is available for hire for special occasions. Dogs and families are welcome until 8pm, after which the pub has an over-21s only policy. There is live music on Saturdays, a quiz on Wednesdays and bingo on Fridays. Disabled access for those in wheelchairs is limited to the main bar. A ramp can be provided on request to access the main entrance and there is a key-operated disabled toilet on this level.
WALK 2 minutes. Cross the roundabout and head straight up Catherine Street to the Craft & Cleaver 🅓, a modern bar with an ever-changing range of craft beers with a BBQ-focussed food menu. A Verdant Tap Takeover starts on Thursday with a Meet The Brewer event on Thursday evening.
WALK 8 minutes. On leaving the Craft & Cleaver, head back to the roundabout and turn left on St Peter's Street and carry on along the road. After you pass the Seventh Day Adventist Church on your left, turn right into Stonecross and follow the road until you reach the Jolly Sailor 🅔, a traditional two bar pub on the edge of Bernards Heath. Karaoke features on Friday and Saturday nights.
WALK 9 minutes. Retrace your steps back to the St Peter's Churchyard, but on entering take the path to your left with the church on your right. Follow this path until you come out onto Hatfield Road, turn left, and beyond two mini-roundabouts you will find the next pub, The Mermaid 🅕.
An excellent ale and cider pub, voted Best Pub in Hertfordshire by The Daily Telegraph in 2025. The pub interior is decorated with old mirrors, pub signs and other breweriana and there is an impressive and recently-enlarged covered garden. Stocks quality real ales, real ciders and perries with a special Mermaid Beer Festival starting on Thursday. Live music from The Mighty Quinn on Sunday evening. The pub is a previous winner of South Herts CAMRA's branch Pub of the Year award and regular winner of its Cider Pub of the Year award. Try the pies!
Note also:
The first self service Tesco was on the Market (1956), but not in the same premises as the current Tesco, which occupies the location of the old Woolworths shop.
The memorial on the corner of St Peter's Street and Victoria Street marking the site of the Castle Inn, emerging from which, the Duke of Somerset was killed in the First Battle of St Albans.
