The Orange Tree, Baldock

For our 'local derby' on Boxing Day the plums at the kleague gave us Royston Town. Not Leighton Town, Barton Rovers or either of the Aylesbury's, no we got Royston.

On the way, we visited Rob Scahill's Orange Tree in Baldock. This is not a typical Greene King pub. Three regulars include XX mild. The 10 guests are all from small brewers and include two from the award winning Buntingford Brewery. Add to this four real ciders two of which will be from local producer Apple Cottage.

Quiz nights are held on a Tuesday, there is folk music on a Wednesday plus a popular annual beer festival. Good homemade food is served here. Local pub of the year 2013.

Rating 5/5

The Load of Hay, Uxbridge

 

Near Brunel University, this pub was built on the site of the Elthorne Light Militia’s officer’s mess and stables. It became a public house in the 1870s when the stables formed the main public area, hence the name.

The Load of Hay was in the 2012 edition of the |Good Beer Guide and understandably was not in the 2013 as it has gone downhill some what. It maybe as it is a student local. The beer was poor and had a blue bottle buzzing round that needed air traffic control permission to land. Its only saving grace was a decent selection of home infused whiskeys and vodkas.

Doom Bar is discounted to £2 on Wednesday evenings after 6pm as part of student night.

Rating: 1/5