The White Horse, Hertford

A few years ago this Free House in Hertford town centre was a one of the better places in Hertfordshire to enjoy a decent real ale. How things have changed - it's now definitely a place to avoid.

There is still a reasonable selection of beers available but they no longer seem as well kept. The pub has always had a certain charm with its small bars, interestingly furnished, timber and brick rooms upstairs and small courtyard garden (backing on to a dual carriageway though). Now the whole place feels rundown and neglected. Whereas before there was a feeling of rustic cosiness, now when you ascend the narrow stairway with its blackened, sticky, beer-soaked carpet you feel hesitation rather than excited anticipation about what waits for you upstairs. I felt like I was in a squat.

The atmosphere is dreadful, the staff unpleasant. I visited this week to see whether the place had improved since my last visit over a year ago. It has not and again I couldn't wait to leave.

Trying to overlook the iffy beer and the slightly squalid feel of the place, I tried to order a swift second round of beers. I was cutting it fine, it was 10:57pm and I thought they may stop serving at 11pm. Having waited patiently at the bar while the nasty barmaid - the owner, I suspect - ignored me and chatted to a regular, I was asked whether I wanted something...I gave my order and was dismissed with a simple "I've stopped serving" and she walked away. The bar clock showed 11:04pm. Back at the table our 3 watches each concurred it was still just before 11pm. We left for one of the much better pubs nearby.

My previous visit a year earlier was even worse. Sober but fumbling with a door while returning our empty glasses to the bar I dropped a glass on the tiled floor. I pushed the broken glass to the edge of the room and went to the bar with an apology and a drinks order. Without a word a dustpan and brush was dropped in front of me on the bar. I queried whether it was for me and was told simply "well I don't see why I should clear it up". Feeling a little guilty and not wanting someone to get hurt I did sweep up the glass. Returning the dustpan and brush I was again kept waiting like a naughty child. This time I was handed a broom and was told curtly to �do the job properly�. I thought the obnoxious woman was joking but apparently not. Besides, I had made a thorough job of it, even scrabbling under tables and asking people to please lift their feet! I was stunned. I was then given the choice: get sweeping or find somewhere else to drink. The choice was easy.

On both visits the friends I'd taken there were horrified by the place. I really suggest you avoid it. If you're after a decent beer you'll get much better one served by pleasant staff at The Old Cross Tavern a short walk away. There are plenty of other options in the area so there's really no reason to give this miserable place your business.

30 May 2008 15:15