St Albans and Harpenden are blessed with a wide variety of pubs and bars, with the former home to the headquarters of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).
Both areas' pubs are well-reviewed by locals and visitors alike, but some have won awards for their services.
Honours have been presented to the different establishments for beer, cider and overall effectiveness.
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Here are five St Albans and Harpenden pubs which have been presented with awards in recent years.
1. The Robin Hood, Victoria Street
The Robin Hood, in Victoria Street, has been awarded South Herts CAMRA's Pub of the Year award in 2021 and Cider Pub of the Year in 2023.
The establishment repeated the feat this year, winning both awards.
The Robin Hood has a four-star rating on TripAdvisor, with one reviewer 'Brianthelion' writing: "Cracking pint as usual in superb condition and temperature despite the soaring heat.
"Proper drinkers pub but also really nice for everyone. Highly recommend."
2. The Engineer, Harpenden
Star Pubs & Bars - who own the premises - awarded Pete and Mike the Long Service Award, with the duo having run the pub since 2002.
Pete drank his first pint in the pub, and was 23 years old and a regular at The Engineer when he and Mike took it on.
The Engineer has a four-star rating on TripAdvisor, with 108 of 236 reviewers giving it all five stars.
3. The Great Northern, London Road
In 2016, The Great Northern was awarded Most Improved Pub by the Campaign for Real Ale
One year later, the pub tied with Per Tutti as the Best Restaurant for Everyday Dining in the St Albans Food and Drink Festival Awards.
The London Road establishment was also nominated for CAMRA's Cider Pub of the Year award last year (2023).
The Great Northern has a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor, with Amanda_B145 commenting: "Friendliest and most knowledgeable staff ever. Superb food and beer."
4. The Silver Cup, Harpenden
One year later, the establishment was listed in both the Michelin Guide and Good Food Guide.
In December 2023, the National Geographic named The Silver Cup among its top 15 places for a roast dinner in the UK.
The pub has a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor, with 86 of 117 reviewers giving it top marks.
5. The Mermaid, Hatfield Road
The Mermaid, on Hatfield Road, has won South Herts CAMRA's Pub of the Year awards for both beer and cider in the past, with its managers recently celebrating 10 years at the establishment.
Along with the Robin Hood and Great Northern, the pub was nominated for South Herts CAMRA's Cider Pub of the Year award in 2023.
The pub has a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor, with MartinD09 writing: "This is both a great local for a pint to break up the dog walk and to have a good session with friends.
"Traditional pub, not big inside but large courtyard with plenty of seating."
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