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The Old Barge — Bars in Hertford

The Old Barge

BarsHertford

4.3 out of 5 stars4.3(1,166 reviews)

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Quick info

+44 199 258 18 71
2 The Folly, Hertford SG14 1QD, United Kingdom
£10–20

About The Old Barge

The Old Barge is a pub at 2 The Folly in Hertford, standing at the head of the River Lea navigation, with tables overlooking the canal where barges pass. The kitchen serves schnitzel as a recurring main, and the vegan options include a vegan risotto and a Moving Mountains burger. Beers and ales are on tap, with canned beers alongside. The pub holds a music quiz once a month and hosts annual crayfish and duck races, which gives the waterside setting its own yearly event. Dogs are welcome in the bar, so walkers and cyclists following the river can bring them inside.

Good to know

  • Reservations
    Accepts reservations
  • Parking
    Parking
  • Accessibility
    Wheelchair: entrance, restroom, seating
  • Good for kids
    Good for kids

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Reviews

4.3/5
1,166 reviews

What reviewers say

Reviewers most often mention vegan options, schnitzel, grilled peach salad and canalside seating.

5★
673
4★
326
3★
94
2★
36
1★
37

Customer Review Summary

The complaints are specific. One diner received Sunday roast potatoes that were hard and seemed reheated, and a replacement portion was only slightly better. Another found a chicken burger saturated in oil and sauce and a schnitzel below its usual standard late on a Sunday. One reviewer says the flatbread is hard and stale, and another disliked a dog not being allowed under the table in the restaurant room. The ale range drew criticism too, with only Heineken as a lager on tap and no session pale. One reviewer left with a portion of enormous BBQ ribs boxed up to take home.

Featured reviews

  • Nicola Ireland
    “This pub is definitely worth a visit. First time there and will definitely be back. Good choice on menu, food was tasty, freshly cooked and good value. Staff friendly and helpful.”
  • Jon Sheeting
    “Absolutely brilliant from start to finish. We booked for a family Sunday lunch after a long walk, and it was spot on: warm welcome, cracking food, and a proper cosy atmosphere. Service was attentive without fuss. We’ll be back for sure, and happily recommend it to anyone.”
  • Naja R
    “Very disappointed with the food and overall experience. I ordered a Sunday roast and the potatoes seemed as if they had been sitting for hours before being served — they were very hard and not fresh at all. I made a complaint and they brought another portion, which was slightly better, but they still seemed reheated rather than freshly prepared. The staff were very young and unfortunately did not come across as particularly polite or welcoming, and seemed quite annoyed when I raised the issue. Overall, I left feeling disappointed and would not expect this standard.”
  • Millie John
    “We just visited, and usually we always have a positive experience but this time, we were so disappointed with the food. We arrived just before they closed the kitchen but we were told we could still order. We ordered the chicken burger, which arrived completely saturated in oil and sauce. So much liquid that the burger had to be eaten with a knife and fork, as the bottom of the burger was wet. We also ordered the schnitzel which usually is always amazing but today It wasn’t. I do appreciate it was the end of the day on a Sunday, however for the price, it was disappointing .”
  • Dennis Bauszus
    “We went to the Old Barge for a colleagues retirement party. The food was very good though there were a couple of issues. We were a little disappointed that our doggy was not allowed to sit in the restaurant room under the table. She was even more disappointed than us and made us know. There selection of ales wasn't great. On our visit there was not a single session pale on tap and the canned beers were out of date. Having to go for a lager there was only Heineken on tap which I wouldn't usually choose.”

Hours

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Highlights

“Situated at the head of the River Lea navigation in Hertford, The Old Barge makes an excellent destination for cyclists, walkers and river users. A traditional family pub in an idyllic riverside setting with a large beer garden situated in the centre of historic Hertford A delicious contemporary British menu, with daily chef's specials, compliments an extensive range of real ales, lagers, ciders, wines and a craft bottled selection. Music quiz every last Thursday of the month, annual crayfish and duck races. And much more besides! Dogs are very welcome in the bar and outside in the garden.”

  • Bar games
  • Great beer selection
  • Great wine list
  • Live music
  • Live performances
  • Trivia night

Amenities

  • Wi-Fi
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Parking
  • Accepts reservations
  • Outdoor seating
  • Dogs allowed
Show more amenities
  • Dine-in
  • Good for kids
  • Food at bar
  • Cozy
  • Onsite services
  • Beer
Offerings· 6
  • Alcohol
  • Cocktails
  • Food
  • Free water refills
  • Hard liquor
  • Wine
Accessibility· 2
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
Highlights· 6
  • Bar games
  • Great beer selection
  • Great wine list
  • Live music
  • Live performances
  • Trivia night
Popular for· 1
  • Solo dining
Dining options· 2
  • Seating
  • Table service
Facilities· 1
  • Restroom
Atmosphere· 2
  • Casual
  • Trending
Crowd· 2
  • Groups
  • Tourists

Location

Bars near The Old Barge

The Old Barge
£10–20ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
4.31,166
  • 0.4 mi£20–30ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating

    sunday roasts, beer garden, vegetarian nut roast

  • 2.8 miWheelchair accessible

    daily specials, sunday roast, mac and cheese

  • 3.5 mi£10–20ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating

    sunday roast, steak and ale pie, riverside garden seating

The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.

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