The Portland Arms

Walk down Portland Street and you'll find yourself in the kind of pub that feels like it's been part of St Albans for ever—because it basically has. The Portland Arms pulls the sort of crowd that knows what they want: a well-kept pint, honest cooking, and space to actually have a conversation without competing with three screens at once. It's the type of place where regulars have their spots and newcomers don't feel like they're interrupting anything. The bar's strong on real ales, and they take their beer seriously without being about it.