
Quick info
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
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- ParkingParking
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, restroom, seating
- Good for kidsGood for kids
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention vegan options, schnitzel, grilled peach salad and canalside seating.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention vegan options, schnitzel, grilled peach salad and canalside seating.
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.
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 Millstream4.66530.4 mi£20–30ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
sunday roasts, beer garden, vegetarian nut roast
- The Galley Hall4.59962.8 miWheelchair accessible
daily specials, sunday roast, mac and cheese
- Jolly Fisherman4.31,1873.5 mi£10–20ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
sunday roast, steak and ale pie, riverside garden seating
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Old BargeReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.31,166 | — | £10–20 | vegan options, schnitzel, grilled peach salad |
| The MillstreamReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.6653 | 0.4 mi | £20–30 | sunday roasts, beer garden, vegetarian nut roast |
| The Galley HallWheelchair accessible | 4.5996 | 2.8 mi | — | daily specials, sunday roast, mac and cheese |
| Jolly FishermanReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.31,187 | 3.5 mi | £10–20 | sunday roast, steak and ale pie, riverside garden seating |
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