MONTHS of writing pub reviews have proven what most of St Albans residents and visitors already knew that the place isn't exactly short of a pub or two. There is one to suit every taste and pocket.

And despite such saturation and the Blacksmiths Arms offering very robust competition opposite The Cock at the top of St Peter's Street, on the corner of Hatfield Road, is never going to be short of a customer or two.

Even on a ghost town-inducing Tuesday afternoon its prime location slap bang in the middle of the city centre should ensure some old soul or two will be happily sipping a pint at the bar.

The pub itself is pretty unassuming. It has a touch of the quaint country boozer if you look at it from the street and is pleasant enough if possibly a little on the "trad" side once through the door. My visit was on a Sunday lunchtime, a time when it is probably a little tricky to entice a throng of thirsty punters. And indeed it was quiet, save for a small group of middle-aged men staring intently at the footie match being shown on the screen at the back of the pub.

The peace and quiet didn't really bother me, however, as I was there for one main purpose to indulge in that Great British tradition, the Sunday roast.

As a connoisseur of roast spuds crispy, not burnt, and deliciously mushy in the middle The Cock passed muster. The proportions were generous and the gravy passed with flying colours, where so many fail by being either dishwater-runny or lumpy. All in all, while not quite being up to "home-cooked" standards, it was a pretty good substitute.

I am informed that the place is pretty packed on a Friday and Saturday night, so unless you don't mind fighting for a place at the bar, go for a Sunday Roast or a quiet lunchtime drink.

CL

July 11, 2002 17:30