Pub Crawls

Ware - Pubs A-plenty!

Jan Ordon gives us a sample of just some of the pubs to be found in Ware.

Ware is a lovely country town sitting astride the banks of the River Lea and on the old A10 trunk road, now by-passed by a viaduct, which traverses the river meads. Ware was once Britain’s foremost centre of malting and many of its buildings bear architectural witness to this part of the town’s rich history.

Today, relative to its population of c20,000, Ware has a huge number of pubs and bars, around 25, with the vast majority selling real ale. The town is famous for the number of inns that existed in the 15th and 16th century — approximately 140 - remarkable for such a small town. This was largely due to its position on the Old North Road, Ware being the most important stopping point for coaches moving between London and Cambridge and to places beyond. With the 17th century opening of the Great North Road (now the A1) via Welwyn, there came a reduction in the number of pubs in Ware (coachmen now having an alternative route to the north) and by 1920 the number had reduced to 70.

Nowadays there is a wide variety of pubs in Ware — something for everybody - but a list of those 140 pubs can be found mounted on to one of the exposed timbers in the Old Bull`s Head.

In the meantime, why not come over to Ware and sample some of its pubs? museums and which lists and describes all of Ware’s current real ale outlets. In the meantime, here’s a taster — why not come over to Ware and sample some of its pubs?

1. Albion, Crib Street

With England now full of `super` pubs selling 20+ ales or sumptuously converted from banks or department stores, what a joy to walk into the small and cosy Albion, dating from the 17th century but in no way `olde worlde`. They say that one of the exposed timbers was taken from the Albion sailing ship. Once owned by Flowers, Adnams Bitter now sits alongside the Flowers IPA and occasional guest ale, which are served in perfect condition. Open all day, food is available between 12 and 2pm, Monday to Friday. Street parking.
Albion, Crib Street

2. Crooked Billet, Musley Hill

Well worth the walk up New Road from the town centre, this is a fine, lively pub where two distinct drinking areas create saloon/public bar-style options for the drinker. Landlord Stuart is well known on the local pub scene and takes pride in serving Greene King ales (plus a guest) in tip-top condition — deservedly rewarded by inclusion in the 2006 Good Beer Guide. For all you mild drinkers, XX is available between October and April. There’s darts and pool and for the Sports viewer there’s Sky Sports. It’s the unofficial home to the Ware Branch of the Carlisle United supporters club. No food here and the pub closes on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday lunchtimes. Open all day Friday to Sunday. Street parking.
Crooked Billet, Musley Hill

3. High Oak, High Oak Road

Formerly the Windsor Castle, the High Oak has had new owners for two years, improving the pub beyond recognition. Located almost mid-terrace, it has a central bar as you enter and a backroom and garden, but it is not your average backstreet local. There’s an almost cosmopolitan feel to the place where everyone is welcomed and made to feel comfortable. Recently a genuine guest ale has been added to complement the GK IPA and Charles Wells Bombardier, a move well received by local drinkers, and the pub is gaining fame for its annual Bonfire Night Beer Festival. Again, no food here and the pub is closed Monday to Friday lunchtimes, but open all day Saturdays and Sundays. Street parking.
High Oak, High Oak Road

4. Worppell, Watton Road

Once owned by Simpsons of Baldock, Greene King acquired the pub from them in 1954. Until 10 years ago the pub was called the New Rose and Crown but the name was changed to the Worppell so as not to confuse it with the Rose and Crown which is just yards up the road. The unusual name is taken from Matthew Worppell who purchased the land back in 1804 and `built` the pub. Much-loved present licensees, George and Pat, have been there for over 20 years, running a lovely cosy local with a small patio. All of the regulars know that the Abbot Ale here is as good as anywhere in the country. IPA and an occasional guest from the GK stable are also on offer. Food is available Monday to Friday lunchtimes. The Worppell closes at 2.30pm Monday to Thursday but is open all day Friday to Sunday. Street parking.
Worppell, Watton Road

5. Rose and Crown, Watton Road

By far, over the last five years, Ware`s most improved pub. Richard and Liam are well respected McMullen licensees — Richard winning numerous Mac`s cellarmanship awards over the years (rumour has it that he hoovers the cellar!) and Liam producing superb home-cooked food which is available 12-2pm Monday to Friday, 5.30-8.30 Wednesday to Friday, 12-8.30 on Saturday and 12-3.30 on Sunday. The pub was constructed with famous local Hitch bricks and has a large colourful garden, secluded from the main road. There’s a covered and heated conservatory, children’s play area, an aviary and a Petanque piste for sides that play in the local leagues. Say hello to Becks the dog — even though he’s a champion scrounger! Closing at 2.30pm Monday to Thursday the pub is open all day Friday to Sunday. Pub car park.
Rose and Crown, Watton Road

6. The Vine, High Street

Leased from Enterprise Inns by Bright Leisure three years ago, here’s another pub which has vastly improved. Formerly the Bell, a Whitbread pub desperately in need of a makeover following years of indecision and false dawns, the Vine is popular and at the upper end of the market with contemporary décor and `vibe` to match - which is no bad thing. Beers are GK IPA and Abbot but recent guest beers, which have tended to be between 4% and 5% ABV, have included “Summer Lightning”, “Landlord”, “Fortyniner” and “Old Hookey” (perhaps common elsewhere but rare for Ware; very well received indeed). Check the Vine out when you’re on the Ware trail — it’s open all day but can be very busy at weekends. Food is available at lunchtimes, then in the evenings until late. Public car park to the rear.
The Vine, High Street

7. The Old Bull`s Head, Baldock Street

Owned by Scottish and Newcastle but leased to the It’s My Local company, the new licensees have been there a year now and as a result the pub is feeling more settled and welcoming. Highly timbered, the building is part 17th century with later (some 20th century) extensions. Internally it is famous for its rare parliamentary clock and the list of former Ware pubs. Older drinkers of Ware still bemoan the strip-out, which ‘open- planned` the pub from its former 2-bar layout and meant the loss of the well-used first floor function room. Darts and pool feature and there’s Sky Sports. With occasional weekend live music on offer, the pub can seem loud at times but, hey, some people like it that way! And the large garden can be an alternative drinking area. Three regular real ales are available, supplemented with three guests — Ware’s widest choice of beers and reasonably priced as well. Food available every day until 6pm. Public car park next door.
The Old Bull`s Head, Baldock Street

8. The Victoria, Star Street

Special mention for the Vic — Ware’s only genuine surviving 2-bar pub — and contrasting they are with a busy public bar and quiet sedate saloon. A good pint of McMullen`s AK is assured and the long garden terminates canalside where you can moor your narrow boat. The pub has B&B to offer and is open all day but food is restricted to Sunday lunches. Street parking.
The Victoria, Star Street

Ware Map

Directions (See map above) Ware railway station is situated on the Hertford East branch line with connections to Hertford and Liverpool Street, Harlow, Bishops Stortford and Cambridge via Broxbourne. The 724 Greenline bus connects Ware to Harlow, Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City, St. Albans and Watford. The 310 bus operates along the Lea Valley from Waltham Cross, through Cheshunt and Hoddesdon. By road Ware is just off the A10 and just north of the A414. By canal Ware is on the Lea Navigation.

Back to the Pub Crawls

© South Herts CAMRA Branch & Tony Dawes
22 July 2006
Disclaimer

1. Albion, Crib Street With England now full of `super` pubs selling 20+ ales or sumptuously converted from banks or department stores, what a joy to walk into the small and cosy Albion, dating from the 17th century but in no way `olde worlde`. They say that one of the exposed timbers was taken from the Albion sailing ship. Once owned by Flowers, Adnams Bitter now sits alongside the Flowers IPA and occasional guest ale, which are served in perfect condition. Open all day, food is available between 12 and 2pm, Monday to Friday. Street parking.
2. Crooked Billet, Musley Hill Well worth the walk up New Road from the town centre, this is a fine, lively pub where two distinct drinking areas create saloon/public bar-style options for the drinker. Landlord Stuart is well known on the local pub scene and takes pride in serving Greene King ales (plus a guest) in tip-top condition — deservedly rewarded by inclusion in the 2006 Good Beer Guide. For all you mild drinkers, XX is available between October and April. There’s darts and pool and for the Sports viewer there’s Sky Sports. It’s the unofficial home to the Ware Branch of the Carlisle United supporters club. No food here and the pub closes on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday lunchtimes. Open all day Friday to Sunday. Street parking.
3. High Oak, High Oak Road Formerly the Windsor Castle, the High Oak has had new owners for two years, improving the pub beyond recognition. Located almost mid-terrace, it has a central bar as you enter and a backroom and garden, but it is not your average backstreet local. There’s an almost cosmopolitan feel to the place where everyone is welcomed and made to feel comfortable. Recently a genuine guest ale has been added to complement the GK IPA and Charles Wells Bombardier, a move well received by local drinkers, and the pub is gaining fame for its annual Bonfire Night Beer Festival. Again, no food here and the pub is closed Monday to Friday lunchtimes, but open all day Saturdays and Sundays. Street parking.
4. Worppell, Watton Road Once owned by Simpsons of Baldock, Greene King acquired the pub from them in 1954. Until 10 years ago the pub was called the New Rose and Crown but the name was changed to the Worppell so as not to confuse it with the Rose and Crown which is just yards up the road. The unusual name is taken from Matthew Worppell who purchased the land back in 1804 and `built` the pub. Much-loved present licensees, George and Pat, have been there for over 20 years, running a lovely cosy local with a small patio. All of the regulars know that the Abbot Ale here is as good as anywhere in the country. IPA and an occasional guest from the GK stable are also on offer. Food is available Monday to Friday lunchtimes. The Worppell closes at 2.30pm Monday to Thursday but is open all day Friday to Sunday. Street parking.
5. Rose and Crown, Watton Road By far, over the last five years, Ware`s most improved pub. Richard and Liam are well respected McMullen licensees — Richard winning numerous Mac`s cellarmanship awards over the years (rumour has it that he hoovers the cellar!) and Liam producing superb home-cooked food which is available 12-2pm Monday to Friday, 5.30-8.30 Wednesday to Friday, 12-8.30 on Saturday and 12-3.30 on Sunday. The pub was constructed with famous local Hitch bricks and has a large colourful garden, secluded from the main road. There’s a covered and heated conservatory, children’s play area, an aviary and a Petanque piste for sides that play in the local leagues. Say hello to Becks the dog — even though he’s a champion scrounger! Closing at 2.30pm Monday to Thursday the pub is open all day Friday to Sunday. Pub car park.
6. The Vine, High Street Leased from Enterprise Inns by Bright Leisure three years ago, here’s another pub which has vastly improved. Formerly the Bell, a Whitbread pub desperately in need of a makeover following years of indecision and false dawns, the Vine is popular and at the upper end of the market with contemporary décor and `vibe` to match - which is no bad thing. Beers are GK IPA and Abbot but recent guest beers, which have tended to be between 4% and 5% ABV, have included “Summer Lightning”, “Landlord”, “Fortyniner” and “Old Hookey” (perhaps common elsewhere but rare for Ware; very well received indeed). Check the Vine out when you’re on the Ware trail — it’s open all day but can be very busy at weekends. Food is available at lunchtimes, then in the evenings until late. Public car park to the rear.
7. The Old Bull`s Head, Baldock Street Owned by Scottish and Newcastle but leased to the It’s My Local company, the new licensees have been there a year now and as a result the pub is feeling more settled and welcoming. Highly timbered, the building is part 17th century with later (some 20th century) extensions. Internally it is famous for its rare parliamentary clock and the list of former Ware pubs. Older drinkers of Ware still bemoan the strip-out, which ‘open- planned` the pub from its former 2-bar layout and meant the loss of the well-used first floor function room. Darts and pool feature and there’s Sky Sports. With occasional weekend live music on offer, the pub can seem loud at times but, hey, some people like it that way! And the large garden can be an alternative drinking area. Three regular real ales are available, supplemented with three guests — Ware’s widest choice of beers and reasonably priced as well. Food available every day until 6pm. Public car park next door.
8. The Victoria, Star Street Special mention for the Vic — Ware’s only genuine surviving 2-bar pub — and contrasting they are with a busy public bar and quiet sedate saloon. A good pint of McMullen`s AK is assured and the long garden terminates canalside where you can moor your narrow boat. The pub has B&B to offer and is open all day but food is restricted to Sunday lunches. Street parking.

Directions (See map above) Ware railway station is situated on the Hertford East branch line with connections to Hertford and Liverpool Street, Harlow, Bishops Stortford and Cambridge via Broxbourne. The 724 Greenline bus connects Ware to Harlow, Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City, St. Albans and Watford. The 310 bus operates along the Lea Valley from Waltham Cross, through Cheshunt and Hoddesdon. By road Ware is just off the A10 and just north of the A414. By canal Ware is on the Lea Navigation.
Back to the Pub Crawls