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Olde Fighting Cocks, St. Albans

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Cask Ale
Opens at Noon
Operator: Mitchells & Butlers
16 Abbey Mill Lane, St. Albans, AL3 4HE (View on Google Map)
(01727) 869152
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The pub stakes a claim to be the oldest pub in England, dating from the late 8th century though the current building was finished in 1485 and renamed from the Round House circa 1800. It still retains many original features such as low ceilings, various nooks and crannies and a bread oven next to one of the fireplaces. There is a large refurbished garden to the rear with a new marquee and enclosed garden area for children. There is also some seating to the front of the pub by the river. Parking nearby is limited but there are car parks a pleasant walk away through Verulamium Park and along the River Ver.

Historic Interest

Reputed to be the oldest public house in England

Information for this venue is provided by the South Hertfordshire Branch of CAMRA
Previous Names
Local Authority
Last updated
Last surveyed
03/03/2026
Leasehold owner
unknown
Freehold owner
Mitchells & Butlers
Pub ID
SHE/728
Asset of Community Value
Monday
Noon - Midnight
Tuesday
Noon - Midnight
Wednesday
Noon - Midnight
Thursday
Noon - Midnight
Friday
Noon - 1:00am
Saturday
Noon - 1:00am
Sunday
Noon - 11:00pm
Monday
Noon - 3:00pm & 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Tuesday
Noon - 3:00pm & 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Wednesday
Noon - 3:00pm & 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Thursday
Noon - 3:00pm & 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Friday
Noon - 3:00pm & 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Saturday
Noon - 9:00pm
Sunday
Noon - 4:00pm
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Current beers

This Pub serves 8 changing beers (On visiting, 8 out of 12 handpumps were in use, featuring rotating beers from 3 Brewers, Mighty Oak, Adnams and Purity, with the same beers on the main and side bar.) and 0 regular beers.

Source: National

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Facilities
Lunchtime Meals Lunchtime Meals
Booking Advisable
Evening Meals Evening Meals
Support Earthworks Organic Farm, locla produce, Booking Advisable
Live Music Live Music
Occasionally
Garden Garden
Family Friendly Family Friendly
Dog Friendly Dog Friendly
Events Events
Function Room Function Room
Lined Glasses Lined Glasses
Real Fire Real Fire
Smoking Smoking
Wi Fi Wi Fi
Free
Features
Cask Ale Cask Ale
LocAle LocAle
Transport
Close to bus routes (800m)
300, 321, 361, 362, 724, 725, S4, S5, S8, S9
Stops in Holywell Hill
Nearby Station (800m)
St Albans Abbey
Ordnance Survey Reference
TL142068
Directions
At the cathedral, through the arch and to the bottom of the lane

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Explore the local area

Curated guides are specially put together for your enjoyment! These trips are crafted by specialists along with dedicated volunteers with local knowledge.

The Charter Market Quarter

The Charter Market Quarter

15 minutes 6 curated stops

The Charter Market Quarter has many historical links. One of the only free-standing medieval civic clock towers, the site of the First Battle of St. Albans in 1455, during the Wars of the Roses. Allegedly the Boot Inn played host to soldiers fighting in the battle. There used to be 23 pubs around the Market area!

St Peter’s Quarter

St Peter’s Quarter

25 minutes 5 curated stops

The northern end of the Market is dominated by St. Peter’s church, one of the three churches originally built by the Saxon’s on the main pilgrim routes into St. Albans. Soak up the history and architecture of the area, as well as music history! 

Medieval St. Albans East

Medieval St. Albans East

15 minutes 6 curated stops

This area is packed with history and interesting pubs, some open, and some no longer with us. 

Nearby

Lower Red Lion at St Albans. (Pub, External, Key). Published on 12-06-2024
Closed • Opens at Noon
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Pub, in St. Albans
2 Regular, 3 Changing Beers
Kings Arms at St Albans. (Pub, External, Key). Published on 18-11-2018
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Pub, in St. Albans
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  • CAMRA discount scheme
Mad Squirrel Tap, St Albans. (Pub, External, Key). Published on 24-06-2019
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Mad Squirrel Pub, in St. Albans
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  • CAMRA discount scheme
White Hart Hotel. (Pub, External, Key). Published on 01-01-1970
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White Hart Hotel
Fabio Curcio Pub, in St. Albans
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The Verulam, St Albans. (Pub, External, Key). Published on 06-01-2023
Closed • Opens at 11:00am
Verulam
Morgan Pub Collective Pub, in St. Albans
3 Regular, 5 Changing Beers
  • CAMRA discount scheme
Bishop's Cave, St Albans. (Pub, External, Key). Published on 07-11-2017
Closed • Opens at Noon
Bishop's Cave
Pub, in St. Albans

Cask Ale not available

Farriers Arms at St Albans. (Pub, External, Key). Published on 18-11-2018
Closed • Opens at 4:00pm
Farriers Arms
Pub, in St. Albans
3 Regular Beers
  • Historic Interior
The Snug (Fleur de Lys), St Albans. (Pub, External, Key). Published on 01-07-2015
Closed • Opens at Noon
Snug
Stonegate (formerly Ei Group) Pub, in St. Albans

Cask Ale not available

Boot Inn at St Albans. (Pub, External, Key). Published on 01-01-1970
Closed • Opens at 11:00am
Boot
Star (Heineken UK) Pub, in St. Albans
3 Regular, 3 Changing Beers
  • CAMRA discount scheme
Peahen at St Albans. (Pub, External, Key). Published on 02-04-2023
Closed • Opens at 10:00am
Peahen
McMullen Pub, in St. Albans
2 Regular, 1 Changing Beers

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