Dining out at a historic Waterend Barn in St. Albans

The Waterend Barn is a large pub, serving a variety of beers and a full range of different foods located in the city of St Albans. The venue has been used for variety of functions, from conferences to entertainment. It has been a lively pub in the historic market city since 2005. St Albans itself is an area rich in history. It was the first major town on the old Roman road of Watling Street for travellers heading north and became the Roman city of Verulamium.

There’s plenty of comfortable leather sofas to sit on, making this a nice relaxed place for a drink. The pub is actually made up of two barns. The larger barn dates from the seventeenth century. It is a timber-framed, aisled barn. It has seven bays and originally had two midstreys. The other barn is smaller, unaisled and has four bays and heavier timbers.

An interior wall at the Waterend Barn hosting a historical take on the history of the area and the city of St Alban’s.

Tim Sandle

Many of the original features of the Waterend Barn can be seen. These add strongly to the look and feel, creating a homely ambiance and convivial atmosphere for eating or drinking.

The largest of the two barns at the Waterend Barn serves as a pub, offering a range of fine ales.

Tim Sandle

A stone plaque near the entrance lists out some of the key historical facts associated with the building.

The history of the Waterend Barn is on display as a stone carving, near the entrance to the pub.

Tim Sandle

The smaller of the two barns hosts the main restaurant. The photograph was taken during a Sunday lunchtime, where the area is full and buzzing.

Tim Sandle

There are also some other nice touches, like a piano. Pub goers are encourage to play the piano, provided that they can produce a worthwhile tune.

If any punter fancies tinkling the ivories, then the Waterend Barn offers a piano.

Tim Sandle

The pub serves real ale with London Pride and Old Speckled Hen or Green King Abbott as standard on the handpumps at the left end of the bar whilst the three handpumps at the right end of the bar serve up guest ales.

The walls are adorned with many pictures and photographs.

Old photographs, depicting St Albans of yesteryear, on the walls at the Waterend Barn.

Tim Sandle

Some of the interesting features of the Waterend Barn.

Tim Sandle

The Waterend Barn is located in the historic St Peter’s area of St Albans, once a lively center for merchants and trading.

Tim Sandle

One of the most interesting features is an Elizabethan style tapestry, depicting characters in Tudor dress. the tapestry is apparently three hundred years old.

An immense tapestry hangs from the wall in the smaller barn. It is of Tudor style, and it is said to be over 300 years old.

Tim Sandle

The conversion of the barn is really stunning and Waterend Barn is well worth a visit if only to have a look around. the pub is family friendly during the daytime. However, in the evenings, the area is restricted to those over the age of 21.

The food is good, although heavy on carbohydrate (lots of burgers, fries, and pasta). However, it is wholesome and especially welcome in the winter.

The Digital Journal rating is 5 out of 5 for ambiance, and 3 out of 5 for food. If you are in the city of St Albans, it is well worth a stop-off for a pint and perhaps a bite to eat.

The front to the Waterend Barn in St. Albans.

Tim Sandle