Farriers Arms, St Albans Central, St. Albans

Side-street pub with the main bar at the front and another room with its own small counter up one step further back on the left-hand side. Simply furnished and decorated, but with plenty of local history pictures on the walls. Small rear yard en route to the gents toilets. Oakham Citra (£5.50), Landlord and Boltmaker available from the three handpumps, with another unused one hidden away behind the doorway separating the two parts.

Traditional backstreet L-shaped boozer that was packed on our early Sunday evening visit. Many were in to watch a live football match on a TV in one corner where the dartboard is also situated. The atmosphere was also made a bit more lively by a group of well-oiled Norwegians who were doing a tour of the city's pubs. There are old pictures of St Albans on the walls. Dogs are welcome. Although one was causing a bit of an obstruction in what was already a confined space. At the bar, there were 3 cask ales - Oakham Citra, Young's Ordinary & Timothy Taylor Landlord. The local CAMRA people like this, as their branch held their first meeting here. I liked it, as it is a typical no-frills local with a lively atmosphere.

I heard that this 'birthplace of CAMRA' pub was under threat of closure so thought I'd pay a visit. Still operating strongly with four handpumps and a good selection of beers, if a bit pricey at £4.60. It was tied to McMullans until 2013 when they sold it to the sitting tenants. They are now looking to retire and the place is on the market. One would hope that this historic pub in an historic town will remain as a pub.