St Albans, in Hertfordshire, is an ancient city, dating back to AD 43, and it has a fascinating history in terms of its pubs, now chronicled by Roger Protz.
These include old coaching inns, a pub where soldiers fighting in the Wars of the Roses relaxed with ale, and Ye
Olde Fighting Cocks, one of Britain’s oldest inns, dating from the 11th century and possibly even earlier.
Pubs connected to the railway age opened in the 19th century, and there have been further additions in both the 20th and 21st centuries. These include the Farriers Arms, where the longest surviving branch of the Campaign for Real Ale was formed in the 1970s.
Today, St Albans has 50 pubs — more per square mile than any other town or city in Britain. Commercial brewing was established in the city during the 17th century, with the Kinder family opening the St Albans Brewery on Chequer Street. Their history and that of more recently founded breweries are documented here.
Roger Protz has lived, worked – and drunk – in St Albans for 50 years. This book is packed with anecdotes and fascinating facts, as he explores the city’s pubs and brewing heritage.
Ale City, St Albans’ Beer History and Remarkable Pubs, will be released by Amberley Publishing on 15th August.
