Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
productions each season in either the well-equipped main auditorium or a smaller
studio. Performances begin at 8pm; tickets cost from £8 to £10. The box office is
open Monday to Saturday 10:30am to 7pm.
Maltings Arts Theatre, in the Maltings Shopping Centre ( &   01727/844222;
www.stalbans.gov.uk), presents performances ranging from Shakespeare plays to movies
and live concerts. Performances are generally presented at 2 or 8pm Saturdays, with
most tickets ranging from £4 to £12. Tickets can be purchased by telephone, in person
when the theatre is open for performances, or at www.allaboutstalbans.com.
Bigger touring shows and concerts use the Alban Arena, Civic Centre ( &   01727/
844488; www.alban-arena.co.uk).
THE PUB & BAR SCENE
As befits an ancient town (and the home of the Campaign for Real Ale, or CAMRA),
St. Albans boasts some classic old pubs, notably Ye Old Fighting Cocks, 16 Abbey
Mill Lane ( &   01727/869152; www.stufish.wordpress.com), one of the oldest
watering holes in England. Named after the cockfights that once took place here, the
pub allegedly dates back to a.d. 793, though the current site probably dates to the
11th century. The dark, timber-smothered interior is the perfect place to enjoy tradi-
tional cask ales.
Another atmospheric spot for a pint is The Goat, 37 Sopwell Lane ( &   01727/
833934; www.goatinn.co.uk), with at least five real ales on tap such as St. Austell's
Tribute and Eagle IPA. This Tudor inn has been serving drinks since the 1580s. The
Boot, at 4 Market Place ( &   01727/857533 ), rounds out a history-laden pub crawl;
this alehouse has been open since at least 1719 in a creaky timber building that dates
back to the medieval period. It's also a decent venue for live bands, as is the Farmer's
Boy, 134 London Rd. ( &   01727/766702 ), which serves brews from the town's only
microbrewery.
Where to Stay
Black Lion Inn This is the most inviting pub-hotel in the area, as well as one
of the best bargains. A former bakery, built in 1837, it lies in the most colorful part of
town, St. Michael's Village, where bustling coaches from London once arrived. Bed-
rooms are simple and plain and, although a bit cramped, they're well maintained;
some have original exposed brick and timber features.
198 Fishpool St., St. Albans, Hertfordshire AL3 4SB. www.theblacklioninn.com. &   01727/848644. Fax:
01727/891041. 16 units, 14 with bathroom. £65-£73 double; £87 family room. AE, MC, V. Free parking.
Amenities: Bar; babysitting; Wi-Fi (free, in public areas). In room: TV, hair dryer, Wi-Fi (free, in some).
St. Michael's Manor Set on 2 hectares (5 acres) of beautifully maintained
lakeside gardens, this handsome property dates from 1586. Rooms are individually
decorated with fine antique pieces and come stocked with everything from mineral
water to a teddy bear to sleep with. The manor also has a superb restaurant, the Ter-
race Room, with an ornate Victorian conservatory overlooking the floodlit lawns.
Fishpool St., St. Albans, Hertfordshire AL3 4RY. www.stmichaelsmanor.com. &   01727/864444. 30
units. £105-£260 double. Rates include breakfast. AE, MC, V. Free parking. Amenities: Restaurant; bar;
room service. In room: A/C, TV/DVD, hair dryer.
Wren Lodge This is the best B&B in St. Albans, with cozy rooms decked out
in Edwardian style (the house dates from 1910), a lovely common lounge (with books
and DVD library), and Victorian glass sun room. The filling breakfasts can be taken
5
 
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