The Alford Arms | Pub in Hertfordshire | Alastair Sawday's Special Places to Stay

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Pub

The Alford Arms - Pub in Hertfordshire

Last cache: 16:18:07, Thursday 28 March 2024

Frithsden, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3DD, Hertfordshire
England, United Kingdom

David & Becky Salisbury
www.alfordarmsfrithsden.co.uk
+44 (0)1442 864480(landline)

An indulgent choice of wines accompanies small plates and main meals - imagine mulled rosé sorbet on a sun-drenched terrace in the summer...

Read guest comments

It isn't easy to find, so come armed with precise directions before you set out! In a hamlet enfolded by acres of National Trust common land, David and Becky Salisbury's gastropub is worth any number of missed turns. Inside are two interlinked rooms, bright and airy, with soft colours, scrubbed pine tables, wooden and tile floors. Food is taken seriously and ingredients are as organic, free-range and delicious as can be, with vegan and vegetarian options available. You might start with grilled Cornish mackerel, Bucksum Farm beetroot and horseradish salsa then move onto rabbit leg bourguignon with smoked pancetta and creamy mash, saving room for coconut panna cotta and crispy malt loaf. Wine drinkers have the choice of 31 by the glass; service is informed and friendly. Arrive early on a warm day to take your pick of the teak tables on the sun-trapping front terrace.

Features
Children welcome
Children of all ages welcome in some public rooms (highchairs not necessarily available).
WiFi
Wireless internet access available in the bar.
Pets welcome
Please let the owner know if you want to bring pets.
Vegetarian meals
Good vegetarian options on the menu.
Licensed premises
Alcohol may be served.
Dogs welcome
Dogs welcome in some public rooms.
Handpumped ales
Pub serves four or more handpumped ales.
Wine list
Pub serves eight or more wines by the glass.

Local points of interest from David & Becky Salisbury:

Local points of interest from
David & Becky Salisbury:

  • Daytime visits to Frithsden aren't complete without a stroll/walk/hike in Ashridge. This ancient royal forest covers over 2,000 acres chock full of centuries old oak & beech. Best for carpets of bluebells through April & May or fantastic Autumn colour.
  • If living animals are more your bag, then why not take a trip to Whipsnade. Yet another London outpost, this time the breeding centre for London Zoo & just a short 20 minute drive. Try the little steam train, a great way to get around the park.
  • Berkhamsted's Rex cinema has to be one of the most beautiful art deco rooms in the country. Featuring a mix of Indie, World and Mainstream films, the running order stays fresh & appeals to all.
  • Everyone knows about the Battle of Hastings, but England's history could have been very different, but for the events at Berkhamsted Castle, when the Saxon barons handed control to Guillaume 11, Duke of Normandy before he proceeded south to London.
  • 8 miles north is the small town of Tring. More importantly, it has a fascinating outpost of the Natural History Museum in Kensington - the Tring Zoological Museum, where you can discover the fabulous animals collected by L. W. Rothschild in the 19th c.
Points of interest

Guest feedback
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"From the fleece-covered, heated benches at the entrance to the comfortably informal dining room, The Alford Arms is a haven for pub-goers, walkers and diners alike. Good local beers at the bar, a weekly changing menu of local produce, a carefully researched and chosen wine list and excellent service ensures an enjoyable experience for walkers or destination-diners alike."

Philip - Sawday's Inspector, United Kingdom

October 2021
"Visiting my brother and his family and he brought us to this lovely pub; we were late but the owner graciously rustled us up the most delicious plate of cheeses and finger foods! Loved the ambiance and when we come back to England its top of our list!"
September 2014

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Details

Meals:

Lunch, bar meals & dinner £12-£27.

Closed:

Open all day.

Paw prints Bringing your dog
Handy to know:

Path into Ashridge Forest opposite, with thousands of acres of beautiful ancient beech woods. Dogs welcome in the bar.

Dog treats:

Dog biscuits on the bar, fresh water bowls outside and a large OS map by the front door. Lovely circular walk on iFootpath.

Bringing your dog
Address:

Frithsden, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3DD, Hertfordshire

Directions:

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