CAMRA has launched its Good Beer Guide 2024, with a host of pubs across North Hertfordshire and Stevenage making the prestigious list.
The Campaign for Real Ale group launched the 51st edition of the guide on September 28, with 11 our fine establishments making the list.
1. The Orange Tree – Baldock
The 300-year-old, multi-roomed pub impressed CAMRA, especially with their beer selection.
"Nine guests are all from small breweries, changed every weekend, and there are five local real ciders," the guide reads.
"There is a huge malt whisky collection on display as well as a a large vintage bottled beer collection."
2. Plume of Feathers – Ickleford
A traditional pub that has been around since 1762, the Plume of Feathers has recently been refurbished, but still holds its historic charm and character.
That includes the stream that runs through the cellar, susposedly the only pub in the UK that has this unique features.
CAMRA also enjoyed the pub's "secluded beer garden".
3. The Albert – Hitchin
A 2019 takeover and renovation have turned this 19th century watering hole in a modern pub, while retaining all of its charm and character.
Purchased by Aaron Carter and Trevor Hunt, who operate Marketing for Hospitality LTD, the pair have transformed the pub, which now offers a vast selection of craft beers and a great food menu.
And CAMRA like the changes, lauding its "fresh and modern feel", while also praising it's weekly events.
4. The Half Moon – Hitchin
Voted the best pub in North Hertfordshire by CAMRA in 2021, The Half Moon is still one of their favourites.
With a cosy bar inside and expansive seating area perfect for enjoying the sunshine, The Half Moon offers a great place to drink no matter the weather.
Described in the Good Beer Guide as a "friendly and welcoming one-bar pub dating from the 18th century", the popular Hitchin spot earned praised its "ever-changing guest ales" and "variety of beer styles available from a range of breweries near and far".
5. The Highlander - Hitchin
The Grade II-listed pub has been run by mulitple generations of the same family for 43 years.
Cosy and welcoming, The Highlander's food impressed CAMRA, noting it's resonably priced menu and "fusion of traditional English pub grub and French bistro-style cooking".
6. The Victoria – Hitchin
When it comes to pubs, they really don't come much better than The Victoria in Ickleford Road.
Known to most Hitchin residents as simply, 'The Vic', it's warm and welcoming inside with that proper pub feel, while the expansive garden and excellent food from Bun Lovin' Criminals and Dirty Dough Pizza Co. make it the perfect summer spot.
CAMRA agreed, praising the beer selection, food on offer, and the pub's many events, including the Vic Fest Music Festival.
7. Garden City Brewery – Letchworth
The micro-brewery recently won CAMRA North Hertfordshire's Cider Pub of the Year award, and they were praised in this year's guide too.
Brewing their own beers on-site, there's plenty of pints for every beer lover to enjoy, and with an ever-changing selection too, something which the judges enjoyed.
They were also full of praise for their "locally produced bar snacks".
8. Lytton Arms – Knebworth
The 19th century pub is adjacent to the majestic Knebworth Estate, and CAMRA were big fans of the village spot.
"Four house beers are supplemented by a changing mix from regional breweries and micros," reads the guide.
"Good home-made food is available every day. Live music features on Friday evenings. Outside is an attractive decked patio and garden."
9. The Station – Knebworth
After closing back in 2017, The Station was saved from development in 2020 by a campaign group, and is now owned by the parish council.
Since then, it has gone from strength to strength, with CAMRA praising its range of beers and ales, as well as its "delicious food".
10. The Red Lion – Preston
An historic and award-winning village pub, The Red Lion in Preston opened way back in 1844, became Britain's first community owned pub in 1983 and won CAMRA'S Pub of the Year award in 2019.
It's made the Good Beer Guide again in 2024, and was praised for it's "ever-changing list of beers, many from small breweries", as well as it "fresh, home-made meals".
The Red Lion really is the heart of the community in sleepy Preston, and has rightfully been recognised.
11. Broken Seal Tap Room – Stevenage
Opening in 2019 as Stevenage brewpub, the beers are still brewed on site, much to CAMRA's enjoyment.
They also praised the guest ales that are on offer, as well as the wide range of bottled and canned beers.
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