As the nights close in and the temperature drops, what better way to keep warm than by an open fire with loved ones and lovely drinks...

The Essex Arms

Priding itself on being a true local, this pub offers a wide range of food with a brand new menu that even includes brunch.

The Essex Arms, Langley Way, Watford, WD17 3EG. Details: 01923 218031

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Rose and Crown 

This pub is almost 400 years old, down the road from St. Albans and a stone throw from Heartwood Forest, perfect for dog walkers and families. With home cooking, cask ales, a beer garden with cosy barn, table tennis and brick BBQ as well as that open fire.

Rose and Crown, 24 High Street, Sandridge, St Albans, AL4 9DA. Details: 01727 859739

Royal Oak

Offering a seasonal menu with freshly prepared dishes. Only using locally sourced fresh ingredients, complemented with award winning wines, real ales and all at affordable prices.

The Royal Oak, Kitters Green, Abbots Langley, WD5 0ET. Details: 01923 265163

White Horse

As well as their open log fire are  cosy corners and comfy armchairs . Freshly prepared menus and carefully selected wines, ales and lagers are served daily from lunchtime.

White Horse, 37 London Road, Shenley, Radlett, WD7 9ER. Details: 01923 853054

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The Gate

The landlords are parents to twins so this pub is as family friendly as they come. They’re so animal friendly even horses are welcome, just not inside. All food is created on site, baked fresh every day. 

The Gate, Station Road, Bricket Wood, St.Albans, AL2 3PW. Details: 01923 678944

The Black Horse

With period beams, a real log fire, an open plan bar and separate dining area, this is a country pub that has retained the essence of what makes the rural English pub experience so special.

The Black Horse, Artichoke Dell, Dog Kennel Lane, Chorleywood, WD3 5EG. Details: 01923 282252

The Rose and Crown (Kings Langley)

A village pub and restaurant serving food alongside an eclectic range of wines and cask ales in cosy, stylish surroundings. You can enjoy a spot of alfresco eating and drinking in comfort with the crackling fires.

The Rose and Crown, High Street, Kings Langley, WD4 9HT. Details: 01923 290229

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The Garibaldi

A pub that aims to transports guests back to the Victorian era. Think nooks, crannies and cosy corners, a roaring real fire and a great pint of real ale.

The Garibaldi, 61 Albert Street, St. Albans, AL1 1RT. Details: 01727 894745

The Holly Bush

A beautiful 17th century pub,tucked away in the idyllic hamlet of Potters Crouch. You can enjoy cask ales from an award-winning cellar and home-cooked food.

The Holly Bush, Potters Crouch Lane, St Albans AL2 3NN. Details: 01727 851792

The Three Hammers

This pub promises authentic British cooking and real ales. Food features classic meals made with award-winning ingredients, alongside hand-picked cask ales and wines.

The Three Hammers, 210 Watford Road, AL2 3EA. Details: 01727 846218

Borehamwood Times:

The Hare and Hounds

They have a range of wines, ales, lagers, craft ales and food, all locally sourced, on offer. With regular weekly events including Pud and Pint Night, Gourmet Burger Night, Tex Mex Nights and a knitting club.

The Hare and Hounds, 104 Sopwell Lane, St Albans, AL1 1RL. Details: 01727 855565

The Marchmont Arms

A converted stately home nestled amongst countryside on the outskirts of Hemel Hempstead. With fresh food served from lunchtime and a variety of wines, lagers and ales.

Marchmont Arms, Piccotts End, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3AT. Details: 01442 254320

Let us know if we've missed any of your favourites.