My Local! (The Three Compasses (Aldenham))

Member Name: Absy_Baby

Product:	The Three Compasses (Aldenham)
Date:	10/08/09 (68 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good price, atmosophere, food, drinks

Disadvantages: Had a bad reputation - can it shake it?

The Three Compasses is my local pub, it is a pub with a restaurant and family area, good atmosphere and friendly staff, it is located in Pachett's Green, Hertsmere, Hertfordshire.

This pub HAD a very bad reputation and I think it has suffered due to this reputation being very well known in the surrounding area. BUT since the dismissal of unwelcome punters (I won't point the finger) the place has been refurbished and now has a completely different clientele and atmosphere.

I never drank in this pub while it went through its 'negative' reputation stage, and wouldn't have felt safe doing so, I heard whispers of what went on here and that was that - I stayed well clear.

The reason I tried this pub was my dad, he had told me it had been completely re-vamped and that he'd been down there with a friend, and it was good.

So I decided I would indeed give it a go, and I have never looked back.


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The Pub
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The pub is an old fashioned country pub, built in the 18th century, while it isn't massive, it isn't tiny either, like some of those you visit where there is a metre depth before the bar and that is the extent of it.

It has a lot of character and is many old features still intact, like a fire place, original walls, and wooden beams.

The pub has an extension that is the restaurant; it again isn't massive but has seating for 8 or 9 tables of 2's, 4's and 6's.

The pub is owned by someone who likes rugby, there are many framed rugby shirts and memorabilia around the pub, but this does have a nice atmosphere, it's not too in your face or cluttered. It is just decoration.

I was told the pub was very dark and dingy back in its less popular days but now it is light and airy. The walls are all lightly painted and the restaurant which is very much like a conservatory is very light with large windows and doors leading out to the play area and pub garden (which isn't huge but has a few picnic benches).

I always feel welcome in this pub, the main point has to be the staff, although the ambience is set by the light, airy colours and space, the staff are what makes me return again and again.

The Manager is a lady, who I'd say is early 30's and is super friendly. The rest of the staff vary between age but are mainly female and very polite, helpful and friendly.

There is always a welcoming atmosphere and kids are welcome, although the pub isn't massive and I wouldn't recommend taking them if you are going to let them run wild (inside in the pub or restaurant) as it's not massive and you are close to other punters (I know I don't like it when someone else's kids are running around me while I'm trying to eat and relax. (Sorry to sound anti kids, I don't expect parents to never take them out, just make sure they behave and don't impose on me).

There are comfy sofa's, tables, wooden chairs, bar stools and picnic benches outside, so seating can be carried and suit the mood you are in.

There is also disabled access to the pub with ramps and both entrances.


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Opening Times
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Monday - Saturday: 11am - 11pm
Sunday: 12 (noon) - 10.30pm


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Drinks
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This section is relatively self explanatory - it is a pub and serves drinks.

Draught beers (on tap): Carlsberg, Erdinger, Fosters, Kirin, Kronenbourg, Stella Artois, Wells Bombardier Smooth, Guinness, Magners Cider & Strongbow Cider.

Real Ales (on tap): 2 changing Wells Young's Ales.

Soft drinks (on tap): Lemonade, Coke, Diet Coke, Fanta.

Wines (by the bottle or glass): White, Red, Rose (a variety can be found on the wine list).

Hot drinks: Tea, Coffee's (a variety including, espresso, cappuccino etc), Hot Chocolate.

There are also bottles soft drinks like J20, Britvic Orange (all the usuals).


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The Menu
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My favourite bit - typical pub food as well as some more modern day options. Food is served until 9pm every evening.

All meals are fresh, and home-made. The deserts are great too.

The Menu has different sections that include:

Snacks (Nacho's, tapas, garlic bread etc)

The Grill (Burgers, Steaks, Ribs etc)

Pizza's & Pasta's

Favourites (Fish & Chips, Bangers & Mash etc)

The Roast Dinner

There are also daily specials that change, as well as a lunch time menu board of sandwiches and jacket potatoes.

The menu is two pages, and has a variety of choices; I have tried many and enjoyed them all. There are vegetarian options too.


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My Opinion
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I really like this pub, it is very easy for me to get too and that helps, but I would frequent this pub even if it was further away.

It helps I do both the lunch time and dinner time sessions as I have seen the pub in full swing and at quieter times too, and both are very enjoyable and not too OTT.

I don't drink a lot and am quite often the driver when I frequent the Three Compasses and enjoy the choice of soft drinks and J20's.

I think this pub is suitable for all ages, perhaps not children as they may get bored, the pub isn't very large and the play area is limited, and if it's raining they can't go out in it anyway as it isn't covered.

You don't feel pressured in this pub to buy drinks continuously and the staff really does make it a great experience every time I go in.

The pub quiz on Tuesdays is great and there are usually between 8-12 teams, I quite often go with my work colleagues or my friends, it is £1 to enter and you get the winnings if you become top.

Karl the quiz master is a good laugh and his quizzes vary in topic, every week there are, 2 general knowledge rounds, 1 picture round and a surprise round. It's all good fun.

The food is nice and reasonably priced, the deserts are great too.

Overall the pub is value for money, you get a great service and drinks and food isn't a rip off.

The only problem with this pub is it is located in the middle of nowhere really, unless you live in the street the pub is one, where there are some houses, you can't really walk to it, as it's lanes with no footpaths or street lights.

A traditional pub with a modern twist!

Summary: A traditional pub with a modern twist!