Wednesday, August 06, 2014

14 family-friendly pubs to visit in East Herts


East Herts has a lot of pubs. But not all of them accommodate kids.

So to save you the emotional torture of being politely asked to leave when you stumble in with a pram and a grumpy two year-old, Parenting Daily East Herts has rounded up some of our favourite family-friendly hostelries in the area.

Whether you’re looking for a good Sunday lunch, a venue for a family celebration, a halfway house for that cross country bike ride, or just a lovely beer garden to soak up the summer sun, there’s bound to be something below that fits the bill.

We’ve listed everything in alphabetical order. And if your favourite pub isn’t on the list (or if you’re a family-friendly landlord/lady!) let us know about it at editorial@parentingdaily.co.uk and we’ll get it added to the list, which we hope to grow over time.

So without further ado...

Choppy’s @ The Waggon & Horses, Ware

Right next to Van Hage’s on the way out of Ware, Choppy’s @ The Waggon & Horses is a gastropub that benefits from a huge decking area and garden, with a massive climbing frame that will keep keep the kids occupied while you tuck into a Sunday roast.

http://www.choppysrestaurant.com

Cinnabar Cafe, Hertford

Ok, so not strictly a pub, but Cinnabar has become a bit of a hub for parents with kids during daytime hours. Nice menu too.

http://www.cinnabarcafe.co.uk/

Jacoby’s Tavern & Kitchen, Ware

Recent renovated, Jacoby’s is a haven for families in Ware, particularly at weekends. Extensive menu with a restaurant upstairs, it doesn’t have a garden, but kids can (and usually do) end up running around the square that it overlooks (which itself is due a refurb). Sister to The Bull in Watton-at-Stone.

http://jacobys.co.uk/

The Rye House, Hoddesdon

Nice way point for walks and bike rides along the River Lea (or is that Lee? We can never remember). Huge garden area, plus it’s right next door to Rye-assic Park and Rye House Go Karting, so can provide refuelling for parents after a hectic morning/afternoon of entertaining.

http://www.johnbarras.com/pub/rye-house-hoddesdon/c1098/

The Bull, Watton At Stone

The Bull describes itself as a ‘proper village pub’ and that’s exactly what it is. The 15th century building oozes character, with a huge fireplace that's great in winter. But right now it’s summer, so the good news is The Bull has a big garden and play area out the back for the kids, with a climbing frame to boot. Sister to Jacoby’s in Ware.

http://www.thebullwatton.co.uk/

The College Arms, Hertford Heath

Got a bit of a makeover a couple of years ago and hasn’t really looked back. Lovely for family meals, especially on a Sunday. Big garden with a playhouse too.

http://www.thecollegearmshertfordheath.com/

The Cowper Arms, Cole Green

We love stopping off here while riding down the old railway line between Hertford North and Welwyn Garden City. Great garden and lovely for evening meals too.

http://www.thecowperarmscolegreen.co.uk/

The Duncombe Arms, Hertford

Only just re-opened after an extensive renovation, the Duncombe sits in the heart of town, is family-managed and offers a friendly welcome. Large garden area out the back.

http://gkpubs.co.uk/pubs-in-hertford/duncombe-arms-pub

The Huntsman, Goose Green, Hoddesdon

Just off the A10 outside Hoddesdon, but feels like the middle of the countryside. Housed in an 18th century building, The Huntsman is a great stop off on a cross-country walks or bike rides. Or if you’re on your way back north from the Brookfield Centre.

http://www.huntsmanpub.co.uk/

The Millstream, Bengeo

A proper local, family-run community pub. Fantastic restaurant with locally-sourced produce, but the pièce de résistance is the huge garden which is kid-friendly and packed with families during the summer. Peter & Nicky also host regular family events, ranging from teddy bears picnics to outdoor cinema nights.

http://www.millstreamhertford.co.uk/

The Plume of Feathers, Tewin

Lovely old building in leafy Tewin, between Hertford and Welwyn. Gets extra points for its nicely-priced and excellently-named kids menu.

https://www.oldenglishinns.co.uk/our-locations/the-plume-of-feathers-tewin

The Red Lion, Stanstead Abbots

East Herts isn’t short of old buildings, but this one’s right up there having been built in 1508 (originally as a monastery!). Special menu for kids, plus an ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND.

http://redlionsa.co.uk/

The Sow & Pigs, Ware

It has an awesome Sunday carvery. And that’s all you need to know.

http://thesowandpigs.com/

The Woolpack, Hertford

To say The Woolpack has undergone a bit of a transformation over the last 12 months would be an understatement. Nicely refurbished with a great patio area overlooking the River Lea. Debbie and staff are warm and welcoming, plus the burgers are excellent.

http://www.mcmullens.co.uk/woolpack

Phew.

And don't forget, if your favourite family-friendly pub isn’t on the list (or if you’re a family-friendly landlord/lady!) let us know about it at editorial@parentingdaily.co.uk and we’ll get it added!

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