I’ve recently spent a lot of time out and about locally. I’ve visited numerous schools, businesses, campaign groups, religious communities, and spoken to hundreds of residents. I’ve enjoyed all these visits but I must confess that one of my greatest pleasures been visiting some of our local pubs.

Now, this isn’t a recent conversion. Some of my earliest memories are of pubs in this area. Places like the Old Guinea in Ridge, where I used to enjoy the annual firework display, or the Red Lion in Shenley, now sadly closed.  Fortunately, many are still thriving. The Old Guinea now combines the traditional pub with excellent pizza. The Cat and Fiddle in Radlett is just as good as it ever was, now with traditional pub food too, as is the Round Bush, where I remember playing in the garden as a child. 

Most recently, I had the unalloyed pleasure of joining the Mayor to open the newly refurbished Three Compasses in Patchett’s Green. As I spoke to the owner, it got me thinking about what makes a great pub. I’m sure you’ll have your own criteria but here are some idea.  

First, great beer on tap with a good variety of bitters. We don’t to my knowledge have any breweries in Hertsmere but it’s always good to see some local beers from first rate breweries like the Tring Brewery. 

Second, an open fire. Nothing beats walking into a pub on a crisp winter’s day to the warmth, smell and homeliness of logs crackling on the fire.

Third is a proper landlord. Someone who’s clearly in charge, holds forth with his views and shamelessly serves the locals first at the bar. 

The most important thing though is the sense of home from home. For me, that’s what pubs are all about – a place where we can all feel at home. It’s why they are at the centre of all good communities and why they’ll always have a champion in me.