The Boot (Home to Boot Cantina)

You'll find yourself on Market Place, right in the heart of St Albans' busiest square, where The Boot has been holding court for ages. But this isn't your standard high street boozer — it's been transformed into something genuinely special, with Boot Cantina taking over the kitchen and doing proper Mexican cooking that goes way beyond tired fajita stereotypes. The atmosphere strikes that sweet spot between relaxed neighbourhood local and somewhere buzzing enough that you don't feel like you're drinking alone on a Tuesday. The combination of quality cocktails, a solid beer selection, and food that actually tastes like someone cares makes it worth fighting through the Market Place crowds.