Ye Olde Fighting Cocks Public House

We came to St.Albans to a walk about around the abbey and the park. As it was such a lovely day we went into the pub for a drink and food i had Dougie ( the Yorkie ) we went into the garden the food was very good really tasty and i have to say all the staff were really nice to, i only wish i lived close to this great pub. So Yes it worth a visit and i hope your enjoy as much as i did. [Jul 13] 14 Jul 13 Ye Olde Fighting Cocks Public House

Eight of us gathered at Ye Olde Fighting Cocks on Easter Saturday evening. We had reserved a table in the main bar and were welcomed and seated by a very friendly and professional man who was possibly the manager(?) He took coats and immediately returned to take our drinks order. There were several real ales on offer and a reasonable selection of wines. Despite a couple of menu items being unavailable (hardly surprising over a busy Easter period) there was still a good selection to choose from. My daughter had phoned a few days previously about some dietary constraints she has, and these were catered for. We all had various starters and mains and without exception thought the presentation and quality of cooking to be of a high standard, with the only negative comment being that someone’s burger meal was a little ‘dry’ (perhaps they need a bit more relish inside the bun?) Prices were about average for such an establishment with starters from about £5 and mains up to about £15 (but some quite a bit less). Although Ye Olde Fighting Cocks has been altered quite a bit over the years the building itself is well worth a visit, purely on historic interest as it is supposed to be the longest continuously inhabited inn in England. The only real problem with visiting is the almost non-existent parking anywhere nearby. Beware if you arrive in the evenings as single yellow lines are in force up to 20.30 and wardens frequently patrol the area! But why not walk? Park up in the city centre and walk down past the beautiful cathedral (floodlit at night), through the historic Abbey Gateway and down Abbey Mill Lane, past some lovely cottages, with the old inn just at the bottom of the hill. It will take you about 10 - 15 minutes and is a delightful walk. Mind you, with a belly full of lovely food and drink it may take you a little longer going back up the hill! [Mar 13] 31 Mar 13 Ye Olde Fighting Cocks Public House

Generally a night of entertainment for my wife and I would involve a pleasant dinner and some great entertainment, so we decided for the fighting cock, and boy did it live up to its name! A portly gentleman had became very angry and passive aggressive to everyone in earshot which unfortunately included my wife and I, staff were very helpful in removing him and apologized no end, when food arrived we had been sitting in the main area that included another couple arguing and intoxicated, food was of decent taste and proportion, had those particular individuals not been there no doubt we would have had a much more enjoyable experiance, staff where great other than slow service they helped tremendously, particularly a young lady called Emma, our experiance wasnt probably one off, we will most likely be back if ever in the arra. [Jan 13] 19 Jan 13 Ye Olde Fighting Cocks Public House

Decent enough pub food, good portions and a more interesting menu than you might expect. Staff could be friendlier - and waiting 'til diners are ready to place their order to tell us about all the unavailable dishes isn't particularly helpful. You used to eat in the dining room bit, but now it seems that diners are mixed in with drinkers in the main section - luckily for us then that the place was absolutely dead when we arrived at 8pm on a Friday night. [Sep 10]

13 Sep 10 Ye Olde Fighting Cocks Public House

You can't beat the setting, if you like incredibly old pubs with a real history, set in acres of park land. I do. The service was extremely friendly when we went there for a family Sunday lunch. While the food came promptly and tasted good - we all had roasts (big helpings) and tasty puds including a lovely Eton Mess - the drinks service was less good. The downsides for us? Drinks served slowly, slightly cloudy beer served in a slightly dirty glass (happily changed) and prices that are perhaps one or three quid over the norm for the type of fare. Well worth a visit though. [May 09]

13 May 09 Ye Olde Fighting Cocks Public House

On a Monday afternoon we decided to wear out the children by running around the lake and then let Daddy have a treat by going to a pub we haven't visited in ages. However a welcome suprise, the pub was a treat for the whole family. It was open and serving food after 2pm and the staff were very efficient and friendly. The children enjoyed being in the garden at the back.

The best bit of all was the food! The children had wonderful fish and chips, the fish had great flavour, was in a lovely light batter and accompanied by a wonderful sauce which kept us guessing what was in it. Nicholas said it was the best fish he had ever had and he is FUSSY. The parents had a 1/2 pint of prawns which were great and ordered some bread to go with it which also came with some dipping olive oil with a delicious balsamic dressing (?). For pudding the children enjoyed chocolate ice cream with chocolate pieces and the adults had a wonderful light bread and butter puddding with creme anglais and other delicious things including I think maple syrup.

Being on a tight budget we do not eat out often as I object to paying for 'adequate' food. This meal was delicious and what a great change to have good food for the children. Just as well that we don't live in St Albans as the budget would suffer from frequent visits although I thought the prices of such excellent food was very good value for money and satisfaction! [Apr 09]

07 Apr 09 Ye Olde Fighting Cocks Public House

I hate taking my son into pubs for food, but sometimes there's no other choice. When we arrived at Ye Olde Fighting Cocks the staff were very friendly and said it was no problem to bring him in. We went into the eating area and discovered we weren't the only ones - a fleet of muddy prams and buggies awaited us and made us feel a bit more at home. I had coriander and carrot soup with home-made bread which was delicious, while my wife had mushrooms on toast.

The pub is in a great location if you're out in nearby Verulamium Park and ideal for lunch. The one down side to it (for evening drinkers) would be the awful energy efficient lightbulbs everywhere. I'm all for saving the environment, but fluorescent light in a building which dates from the 8th century? Come on...  

Great for lunch or a summer evening pint in the beer garden, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks is now under new management so look out for good things to come. [Feb 09]

04 Feb 09 Ye Olde Fighting Cocks Public House