The "cosy and comforting" White Hart Tap tucked away on Keyfield Terrace, boasts a proud offering of craft beers and "homecooked" food. Our reporter sat down with landlord Steve who revealed how he has reached a remarkable 26 years of success in the St Albans pub scene.
Since 1999, landlord Stephen 'Steve' McConnell, has run a tight ship allowing the White Hart Tap to flourish in a competitive pub scene.
Despite marking a milestone in his pub tenure, the landlord stays humble and keeps everything running "business as usual".
"It's normal life now," Steve began. "I still enjoy running the pub though, it still motivates me to get up every morning."
The Tap's range of beers is on full display as you walk through the front door into the cottage-like interior complete with a fire, low ceilings and wooden furniture. The pub's windows also draw plenty of natural light into the space.
Fan favourites lagers like Stella and Erdinger are complemented by two ales and three "craft cask" pumps.
"Timothy Taylors Landlord and Side Pocket for a Toad by Tring Brewery are both top sellers", said Steve. They'd even received a personalised award from Timothy Taylor's as part of its Championship Club for "tireless dedication to excellent cellarmanship".
Aside from an everchanging selection of crafts - many with "American hops" - the pub gets people through the door for its "brilliant" food offering.
From roast dinners to daily specials, the Tap does not disappoint, advertising a lunch menu featuring ciabatta sandwiches and loaded fries, complementing their later evening dishes.
What does the Tap do well?
Steve said they have managed to "maintain a strong customer base" and "keep the regulars happy" throughout the years.
"It's somewhere to come and socialise," Steve commented. "Somewhere for people to have conversations.
"We don't really have live music on, we do a bit of food, we try to tick as many boxes as possible without being dominated by one particular element."
As Steve opened up at noon, his first customer entered after walking "two hours" from his home in Abbots Langley - this was not an unusual pilgrimage to the pub either.
"A pint of good beer is worth it," the customer exclaimed.
The pub also offers a range of wines all from nearby Cellar Door. Steve spoke on "championing local businesses and produce" as they try their best to source everything from food to alcohol within the area.
Their ever-changing craft cask selection also gets customers through the door as beer fans hope to catch a new tipple.
Steve said Guinness is flying off the shelves as we head into winter and their selection of zero per cent/low percentage alcohol was proving to be popular.
The pub has a beer garden too, featuring an array of benches and tables, in addition to a Marquee space.
Their outside offering extends to the front of the pub where seating with umbrellas becomes busy - particularly during the summer months.
The White Hart Tap quiz is held every Wednesday hosted by either manager Tom or experienced barman Rory. Customers will be tested with a picture round, their general knowledge and a guess that song section.
As one of the most popular in the city, customers are encouraged to reserve a table for the quiz prior to its 9pm start.
Occasionally, the venue hosts beer festivals in the summer with a wide selection of ale and ciders.
Proudest moment
Running the Tap since the turn of the millennium, Steve has seen plenty change in the St Albans pub scene. The landlord said there had been a "craft beer revolution" during his time here and people's drinking habits had shifted.
"Even since Covid there has been a change, there is less custom later at night and more early in the evening. That suits us as we've never been a late-night pub," he commented.
When asked about any standout moments from the last 26 years Steve said: "I think getting on the front of CAMRA's Good Beer Guide is the best thing we've done."
The pub can be seen in all its glory on the front of the 2014 edition and Steve believes they've only missed being included in the popular guide "once" during his tenure - another proud achievement.
Looking to the future, Steve wishes to continue providing the same "quality offering" to his customers, but warned that you can't "rest on your laurels" in this business.
He said: "You've got to keep plugging away and trying to do something a bit different.
"In terms of trade figures we are doing very much the same and hope to continue in this vein."
The pub is also hosting the Carols Till Closing crew on December 14 - which is unfortunately fully booked already.
Reporter's recommendations
As a former employee of the pub, I am well-versed in it's brilliant selection. In regard to beer, I recommend trying one of the two "craft cask" pumps as Steve's extensive knowledge of beer means they tend to be pretty good.
The loaded fries are must have too, in addition to one of the ciabattas.
I'd also suggest checking out the Wednesday quiz as it never disappoints - there is always laughs and some character from the hosts. There is a decent cash prize as well.
The White Hart Tap is open from noon until 11pm everyday and can be found at 4 Keyfield Terrace in St Albans.
To book or find out more visit https://www.facebook.com/whiteharttap.
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