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Where is your compass pointing?

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5 Oct 21st, 2009 

40 Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful

Advantages:
Good Priced Food, Great atmosphere, Family Friendly

Disadvantages:
I never win the pub quiz !   -  But I suppose that's not their fault !

Recommendable Yes:

Detailed rating:

Value for Money

Standard of Menu

Atmosphere

Standard of Service

chugglebunny

chugglebunny

About me:

Hi all, I'm also on Dooyoo under the same name. will try to return rates always x

Member since:18.10.2007

Reviews:90

Members who trust:40

**This review is of the Three compasses Pub in Aldenham, Herts**

Aldenham is a quiet and small village just a few miles from Watford. The pub is located down a quiet country lane, but is simple to find. Off one of the only 2 roads that go through Aldenham. Its the turning on your left heading towards Watford or on your right heading away. Easy.

I have been going to this pub now for a few years in a few different capacities; it's near to my work and is a favourite place for the odd after work, or lunchtime drink.

The Actual Pub
------------------

The pub itself is a lovely big building, I believe it was built in the 18th century and was apparently even frequented by highway man Dick Turpin. It has a lot of traditional original wooden beams which keep it full of character.

A very key feature of a pub in my opinion is the atmosphere. The Three Compasses is always well lit but with warm oranges and there is plenty of windows and natural light. I love this aspect of this pub as it really sets the tone for the atmosphere inside. It's extremely friendly and light without being clinical and it by no means dark and dreary. It is a great pub for a relaxed and familiar atmosphere. No angry inbred looking locals here, waiting to chew out the newcomers.

The pub is laid out to accompany people who are looking for different things from their pub experience. There are bar stools, comfy sofas for groups to relax on, as well as formal tables and booths

The tables tend to sit up to 6 and are grouped together on a raised area of the pub, although you can have food anywhere in the pub, this is obviously for those looking for that more "restaurant" experience if eating at the pub.

The toilet facilities are more than acceptable and always clean and tidy. There is disabled access to the pub.

Drinks
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The pub serves a vast array of wines, beers and ales which include:

Draught beers: Carlsberg, Erdinger, Fosters, Kirin, Kronenbourg 1664, Stella Artois, Wells Bombardier Smooth, Guinness, Magners & Strongbow Cider.

Real Ales: 2 changing Wells Young's Ales
They also have an extensive wine list, hot chocolate, tea & a good range of speciality coffees.

Obviously they also have a variety of soft drinks, which are mostly what I sample myself not being much of a drinker.

Food
------

They also serve food until 9pm nightly which I must say is one of its strongest points.

The menu is quite varied and has a lot of choice, from burgers and steaks to salads and pastas, there is a good range with caters to vegetarians too. At lunch times there is a large menu that includes the usual full menu, plus an array of sandwiches, jacket potatoes and lighter options.

My Opinion
--------------

I really do enjoy this pub, as I said; I am not a large drinker, so for me it is nice to have an enjoyable evening out without alcohol being the main focus. Here, there is so much else on offer that it is always pleasant to visit.

The members of staff are extremely friendly and are always happy to have a chat and help with any special requests etc. After a few visits also, they always seem to remember a face and it makes it a lovely place to go to.

The food is also cooked fresh and to a very high standard. Price wise, both the food and drink are about average if not a little on the cheap side. I like the little touches best in the pub that make it that bit more family friendly, there is a children's area for during the day where the kiddies can keep themselves amused with various toys.

There is also a nice beer garden with ample seating and it's always clean and looked after. Again there is a small area with some kiddie toys and slides for those days when the weather is nice enough to warrant sitting outside.

The pub does a very fun quiz on Tuesday evenings which is something I will occasionally go to. They have themed nights and special offers a lot like most pubs and will advertise these clearly, so you know if you're going to get a cheap drink!

Set in a lovely quiet little village this pub manages to keep up with the current trends in having well trained and friendly staff with competitive prices, as well as delivering that small village service of familiarity with great choices and a modern yet traditional pub to host it all in.

Overall, I think the Three Compasses has done a wonderful job at keeping everything in proportion and as such been successful at drawing crowds from the young for wild nights out, colleagues for lunch time chats and the odd beer, to family meals in the evening with facilities for the children.

Anyone who is going to be in the area and is looking for a nice well balanced and friendly pub in which to relax with a reasonably priced beer, look no further. (Oh and try the gammon! My personal favourite!)

Thanks for reading :)  

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Comments about this review »

Ailran 01.11.2009 11:49

Ciao obviously have some strange ideas about how big London is if they think this is in London lol!

rosebud2001 30.10.2009 22:49

Sounds absolutely wonderful - you have sold it to me :-)

Absy_Baby 27.10.2009 10:30

Covered everyting for me. Great review x

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More reviews »

The Three Compasses Pub - review by CareBear

Advantages: Good, cheap food
Disadvantages: Need to book at lunchtimes

The Three Compasses Pub - review by CareBear CareBear 21.05.2004 (21.05.2004) · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of The Three Compasses Pub



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