Topic ID 547
This is a Brewers Fayre pub and probably also falls into the restaurant category. I know that the beer is not up to the standard of the OXT and the food can not even begin to be compared to the fantastic stuff at the hillside, but... This is a very nice cosy pub and it has some very reasonably priced meals especially at lunchtime. The pub boasts good Disabled access and facilities and there is also a play area for the children. The majority of the pub is non smoking but smoking is allowed in the bar area. They have roaring log fires in the winter and the place does have an atmosphere.
Reply ID 5702
I keep meaning to go as havent for several years. I now have a total mental block on how to get there [V] Directions please [;)]
Reply ID 5716
By car, A414 to Cole Green, turn left and follow signs to Letty Green. I recommend the more scenic route via the Cole Green Way - takes about 25 minutes to walk from the football "stadium".
Reply ID 5717
I was there once, the place was full of pensioners, and probably thats why it stank of urine. Sorry if thats harsh.
Reply ID 5718
Last time I was there it was a nasty place!
Reply ID 5720
quote:LOL [:D] I take it this means you won't be having pensioner discounts at the Hillside on Wednesday lunchtimes, then?
Originally posted by justin
I was there once, the place was full of pensioners, and probably thats why it stank of urine. Sorry if thats harsh.
Reply ID 5731
I was there once, the place was full of pensioners, and probably thats why it stank of urine. Sorry if thats harsh. I can't believe you wrote that[:0]
Reply ID 5733
quote:Why, if you go there you will see for yourself, or smell for that matter, when i went they did a golden oldie club, or something like that, where you get some nasty 2 meals for a fiver or something, for the over 60s. Never again.
Originally posted by wizkid
I was there once, the place was full of pensioners, and probably thats why it stank of urine. Sorry if thats harsh. I can't believe you wrote that[:0]
Reply ID 5739
Justin, I agree about the food at the Cowper Arms, its horrendous and plastic, I've never liked it. Its just that it is rather harsh and upsetting your implication that golden oldies (over 60) cause a place to smell of urine, you sound just a smidgen ageist!!!! you'll be over 60 yourself one day[;)]
Reply ID 5740
And before admin says anything, I am aware this is slightly going off topic and I will say absolutely no more on the matter.[:)]
Reply ID 5748
quote:well, i dont think its off topic, just giving my view on the place, but go and decide for yourself, that was the impression i got, right or wrong, ageist or not, but im certainly not ageist, i hope im 60 one day, but i hope i will also be conscious of how i smell[:D] when i get there.
Originally posted by wizkid
And before admin says anything, I am aware this is slightly going off topic and I will say absolutely no more on the matter.[:)]
Reply ID 9850
The Cowper Arms is a Brewers Fayre pub, you don't go there if your looking for real ale. You go there for a wide variety of food. It may have a lot of pensioners there during the week but I have not noticed any smell from these people. It's good if you have kids as they have a wide menu for them and an indoor and outdoor play area.
Reply ID 9851
Do pensioners smell ?
Reply ID 9860
quote:'Conveyor belt' dining.
Originally posted by Shamber
The Cowper Arms is a Brewers Fayre pub, you don't go there if your looking for real ale. You go there for a wide variety of food. It may have a lot of pensioners there during the week but I have not noticed any smell from these people. It's good if you have kids as they have a wide menu for them and an indoor and outdoor play area.
Reply ID 9868
quote:can children not eat normal food?[:p]
Originally posted by Shamber
The Cowper Arms is a Brewers Fayre pub, you don't go there if your looking for real ale. You go there for a wide variety of food. It may have a lot of pensioners there during the week but I have not noticed any smell from these people. It's good if you have kids as they have a wide menu for them and an indoor and outdoor play area.
Reply ID 9869
quote:The Cowper Arms has it's place. However that place is not one of choice for me. The indoor play area was a 'soft' area and is only supervised by those with the children using it. The outdoor play area is the garden and it has a climbing frame with a slide. I have taken children to at least a dozen places in or around Hertford without the play areas and where the food is much better.
Originally posted by Shamber
The Cowper Arms is a Brewers Fayre pub, you don't go there if your looking for real ale. You go there for a wide variety of food. It may have a lot of pensioners there during the week but I have not noticed any smell from these people. It's good if you have kids as they have a wide menu for them and an indoor and outdoor play area.
Reply ID 9871
My other half and I used to go there about 6/7 yrs ago and it was great food and good atmosphere (that was before we had children). We have since been back a few times with children but now the food is pretty awful and we always have to wait ages after ordering which is not good when the kids are waiting and starving and it's not been particularly busy at those times either. I agree there are much better places!
Reply ID 9872
That's the Cowper well and truly off my shopping list of pubs to eat in !!
Reply ID 11023
Made the mistake of having lunch here yesterday. They should write a book about the place.
Reply ID 11025
Nice to cycle to for a beer on a sunny day along the disused railway track, safe for kids!
Reply ID 11026
quote:You should have consulted me mate, not up to your normal standard by a country mile. A mate and his young family had Sunday Lunch in the Millstream last weekend and said it was very good. Thats walking distance and the Directors is a good pint.
Originally posted by carlos fandango
Made the mistake of having lunch here yesterday. They should write a book about the place.
Reply ID 11029
wouldn't disagree with either point but was on way back from Welwyn. Sister did you try the food??? a simple ham egg and chips uggh. as for my wifes seafood mornay.
Reply ID 11034
I have to agree, I ate in there with 3 friends the other weekend and it has put me off returning. We were kept waiting for our food for ages and then I was giving the wrong meal. We all had different dishes and were all disappointed. My vegetable lasagne was grim and certainly did not match the description in the menu. It's a shame as i used to like going there.
Reply ID 11035
With half decent food i reckon it should be a license to print money. a case of how not to do it i would say.
Reply ID 11036
I agree.... with everything that has been said. It is such a shame, because it is lovely to walk along Cole Green Way, it would be really great to have a good pub at the end. [:(]
Reply ID 11037
No we didn't carlos, but it is a shame if the food is that poor. Had a few beers and wobbled back to Hertford on our bikes!!!
Reply ID 11051
There must be a huge variation and/or a rapid decline, because whenever I have been the food has been pretty good. (bearing in mind that it is a brewers fayre and not the hillside) The times I have been are generally not too busy - perhaps it makes a difference
Reply ID 11052
Even though i have been lucky enough to try a few good places over the years...heaven for me is a greasy spoon with proper food. Guess we were unlucky....but wont be going back to find out other than for a drink next time i'm "doing the way".
Reply ID 11056
Why would you want to go to a plastic pub which sells platic food anyway? You can smell their fryers don the Cole Green way....yuk!
Reply ID 11057
Why not keep going to the Black Horse?
Reply ID 41777
In last weeks Mercury it said this has reopened after refurbishment and is now a free house. Has anyone visited it since it reopened? Does it now sell any real ale?
Reply ID 41790
Think the opening night is this Friday!
Reply ID 41994
we went there on saturday night. It's completely different inside now, very funky and modern. It's virtually all dining now, there's no sofa loungy bit any more. The food was quite good, and actually not expensive, so good marks there. However i find it odd that in a country pub they have no hand pump bitters/real ales any more. They mostly have fancy euro lagers e.g. leffe etc. the only ale is london pride. hmm. Oh; they've also removed the kids play area - not a good move for that place I thought, but im sure they know what they're doing! It was packed tho.. (and they dont do bookings) And; the number for them on herts net, seems to be invalid, i got some lady who seemed very exasperated at having been called so many times :)
Reply ID 42058
Thought I might cycle up the Cole Green way on Sunday and stop off for a pub lunch here.. Is there a garden or area outside at all, assuming our soggy monsoon weather subsides enough?!!!
Reply ID 42107
Are children still welcome there ?
Reply ID 42118
The number we have listed on the CAMRA pubs database is 01707 330202. Is that the same one? For a full and up to date listing of all Hertfordshire pubs see http://www.pubs.hertsale.org.uk
Reply ID 42130
the garden is still there, not sure if children are welcome, i assume so.
Reply ID 42804
I have just been for lunch and was very impressed with the re-vamp. The food was excellent.......(hubby said it was the best burger he has ever had!)...and the service was spot on.
Reply ID 42924
bvbv
Reply ID 42925
I Went to the Cowper Arms for Sunday Lunch after receiving a flyer through our door. Although I was impressed by the decor, not much else stood out. The barstaff were neither friendly or efficient. The roast beef was very average and certainly not worth 9.50. The beef was poor quality and I think it had been left ready on a hot plate as it was certainly very quick being served to our table. The "English ales" promised on their flyer consisted of London Pride on draught. Selling Staropramen is hardly a novelty. If the Cowper Arms wants to charge what is essentially Gastropub prices, they need to stop serving very average pub grub. There are much better Sunady Lunch options in the area (Rose and Crown in Tewin for example) which are not only cheaper, but far superior in terms of food and much friendlier staff also.
Reply ID 47812
Visited this nicely re-fitted and upgraded pub in the summer and sat in the garden and had a nice drink with good service. The menu looked good too. When i visited this Sunday it was a major let-down. Suroundings are very nice and the service was on the whole good. The food on the otherhand (served to our table of 5) was mostly of the ready prepared variety and very mediocre. It was a major let down. Even all of the deserts were bought in and microwaved confirmed the waitress. We only found this out when our massivly overnuked apple crumble arrived (why cant this be freshly made in-house anymore ???). I wont be going again, shame they didnt put as much thought into the food quality as they did the new furniture. Once again i will find myself taking the family to Pizza Express. Freshly prepared in-house and not a microwave or boil in the bag gravy in sight.
Reply ID 51323
Just cycled past the former "Cowper Arms". There's a skip outside & the inside looks like it has been gutted. Anyone know what's planned for it next?
Reply ID 51326
eh really? Are you sure? In letty green? I'd be surprised as they spent loads on a very nice interior, i'd be shocked if they've ripped it all out!! It was allways very busy too so it can't be lack of custom. Maybe there was a fire?
Reply ID 51336
Just phoned the Cowper Arms. Yes, they are closed and are having a refurb. Apparently it was felt that it had become too much of a restaurant, so they are creating a new restaurant area and bar area for people who just want to pop in for a drink. Will re-open 19th April
Reply ID 51339
blimey they must have more money than sense! Well anyway im glad i read it on here as i was going to head down there one night this week!
Reply ID 51347
That's a shame. I'd been in there a couple of times in recent months, both just for drinks and to eat, and thought it was almost perfect the way it was. Will try it again after re-opening.
Reply ID 51394
Maybe they've realised a lot of people went to the old pub as it was kid friendly?
Reply ID 51396
quote:Heaven preserve us from "kid friendly" pubs........you used to be able to go to the pub to get away from the brats
Originally posted by Dude
Maybe they've realised a lot of people went to the old pub as it was kid friendly?
Reply ID 51403
I don't remember seeing lots of kids in the pub, or maybe they were just well-behaved ones [:0] [:)]
Reply ID 51407
quote:Before the refit, (ie a year ago) the Cowper Arms was probably the most child friendly pub around. Play area, special menus, colouring stuff etc etc. The refit cut a lot of that out. I know a lot of families that used to go there.
Originally posted by SallyB
I don't remember seeing lots of kids in the pub, or maybe they were just well-behaved ones [:0] [:)]
Reply ID 51408
quote:Surely one or two won't harm (Kid friendly pubs, not kids!) [:)]
Originally posted by buzzquote:Heaven preserve us from "kid friendly" pubs........you used to be able to go to the pub to get away from the brats
Originally posted by Dude
Maybe they've realised a lot of people went to the old pub as it was kid friendly?
Reply ID 51410
I doubt they're going back to kid friendly - since the refit it's been much busier! I see they have a new landlord now as well.
Reply ID 51437
quote:Almost perfect?
Originally posted by SallyB
That's a shame. I'd been in there a couple of times in recent months, both just for drinks and to eat, and thought it was almost perfect the way it was. Will try it again after re-opening.
Reply ID 51986
I went in last night for the launch party. When they did it out before the interior was amazing, and now it's even better! I dread to think how much all this work has cost though. Anyway it was rammed; The local paper was there too, and we got champagne and nibbles - so can't complain! There were people there from as far as newgate st. and further, which i think is quite impressive. anyway it's (another) very promising start, i'll report back once i've eaten in there properly on a normal night! Oh; They also have some proper ales now, and have cut down on a couple of the euro lagers. And! they havent changed the kid friendly side of things, thankfully no new play area or anything, so it's as before on that side. Also; On 5th of june they have someone coming in from timothy taylors ales for a real ale evening, with samples and discussions about what works well with food etc.
Reply ID 52254
I went to the Cowper Arms on Saturday evening and it was really nice. I wasn't that hungry so just had a burger, but the good lady had slow-roasted shoulder of lamb and it was amazing. Good choice of drinks too and even though it was really busy and we were told there woiuld be a wait for the food, it didn't turn out to be that long. Last orders in the kitchen is 9:30pm on a Saturday though, so no late sittings. Deffinitely go again.
Reply ID 52621
Phoned the Cowper Arms on Friday to book a table for Sunday lunch. I was asked for how many people, and when I said "two" was told, "Oh no need to book, just turn up" So we did. Informed we would have to wait 45 mins for a table. Fortunately it was not that long.........did have to wait almost that time between ordering and getting the food. The food was fine, but they seem to have difficulty when the place is full. Be warned........if you want to be sure of a table Sunday lunchtime BOOK!
Reply ID 52623
Just a point for anyone not familiar with the area.......although this post is headed Cowper Arms Cole Green, I think it is in fact in Letty Green
Reply ID 53274
I think the Cowper Arms is a lovely place. I used to turn up regularly with a handful of small children when my daughter was younger and the kids would happily play in the playground. It was very pleasant to sit outside (especially at this time of the year) and it is also a nice walk up the old railway track from Hertford Town Football Club.
Reply ID 54767
I went to the revamped place on saturday. Excellent all round. Great service, good value. I recommend the Scallops and chilli spagetti starter.
Reply ID 58633
We went again recently, and it was very good again. The tiger prawns in coconut batter are amazing! They have a website now too: http://www.thecowperarmscolegreen.co.uk/ Not a lot on it tho!
Reply ID 58634
Checked out the website for the Cowper Arms......it said VAT had been reduced on soft drinks meals and coffee...said nothing about it being reduced on booze. Am I right in thinking that VAT IS charged on alcoholic drinks. I phoned them to ask but just got a bimbo working behind the bar who didn't know and said I would have to speak to the Manager......so I asked to speak to the Manager......but, guess what.....his night off.
Reply ID 58636
You phoned The Cowper Arms on New Years Day to ask if VAT is charged on alcohol ? Id love to have seen the barmaids face when she put the phone down . [:D]
Reply ID 58639
quote:The VAT was reduced on both cigarettes and alcohol, but duty was increased to offset it. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1089038/SIN-TAXES-Tax-alcohol-tobacco-rise-offset-cut-VAT.html
Originally posted by buzz
Checked out the website for the Cowper Arms......it said VAT had been reduced on soft drinks meals and coffee...said nothing about it being reduced on booze. Am I right in thinking that VAT IS charged on alcoholic drinks. I phoned them to ask but just got a bimbo working behind the bar who didn't know and said I would have to speak to the Manager......so I asked to speak to the Manager......but, guess what.....his night off.
Reply ID 58641
quote:What's so special about New Years Day?
Originally posted by Donostia
You phoned The Cowper Arms on New Years Day to ask if VAT is charged on alcohol ? Id love to have seen the barmaids face when she put the phone down . [:D]
Reply ID 58642
quote:Thank you Steve, I didn't know that......The Gordon Giveth and the Gordon taketh away..........theiving b@st@rds
Originally posted by Stevequote:The VAT was reduced on both cigarettes and alcohol, but duty was increased to offset it. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1089038/SIN-TAXES-Tax-alcohol-tobacco-rise-offset-cut-VAT.html
Originally posted by buzz
Checked out the website for the Cowper Arms......it said VAT had been reduced on soft drinks meals and coffee...said nothing about it being reduced on booze. Am I right in thinking that VAT IS charged on alcoholic drinks. I phoned them to ask but just got a bimbo working behind the bar who didn't know and said I would have to speak to the Manager......so I asked to speak to the Manager......but, guess what.....his night off.
Reply ID 58643
quote:I wouldn't normally be a pedant - though Buzz, i before e, except after c when the sound is ee [;)] And do we all think that this excise increase on alcohol will reduce back when VAT returns to 17.5%? Nah, sorry, daft question. [V]
Originally posted by buzz [br Thank you Steve, I didn't know that......The Gordon Giveth and the Gordon taketh away..........theiving b@st@rds
Reply ID 58646
quote:You are quite right about the spelling....I hang my head in shame...M.Courvoisier has a lot to answer for[:)]
Originally posted by Woodyquote:I wouldn't normally be a pedant - though Buzz, i before e, except after c when the sound is ee [;)] And do we all think that this excise increase on alcohol will reduce back when VAT returns to 17.5%? Nah, sorry, daft question. [V]
Originally posted by buzz [br Thank you Steve, I didn't know that......The Gordon Giveth and the Gordon taketh away..........theiving b@st@rds
Reply ID 58649
Sometimes alcohol leads us to do things we are ashamed of,
Reply ID 58680
Went there New Years Day afternoon, bit cold inside, only one low fire burning, the other one was out, ordered bar food, waited about 3/4 hour, asked what was happening, was told they had a gas problem, no gas, so the kitchen was shut, however they refunded our money and also the round of drinks we bought, so was impressed with that. Presume the central heating was out too, will try again sometime. Had a nice bar meal at The Salisbury in Hertford instead, seated in the front room to the left of the main door, warm and very quick with the service.
Reply ID 58685
They are on the list of food for a fiver in the Times today.
Reply ID 60715
Went to Cowper Arms last night for dinner and must say that Mrs Fired and I thoroughly enjoyed the 2 courses and a glass of wine for £12.95 per person. The staff were very friendly and polite. We ate in the bar area by the fire which was extremely cosy and the restaurant was very busy too. Would definately recommend it and looking forward to going again soon
Reply ID 60716
quote:We went on Tuesday night for the three courses for £10 with The Times deal. They were offering their fixed price menu for the tenner which saved us 50p each on the normal price. After sitting in the restaurant for 20 minutes before a waitress came near us, we were considering leaving. However, we did get attended too and the starter of pan fried flat mushrooms with goats cheese filling arrived within minutes of ordering. It was very tasty, but not microwaved enough to make it hot. The main course of Corned Beef Hash with fried eggs was excellent. It was very hot and very filling. The dessert was not overly warm but again, quite tasty. The beer (I had Timothy Taylor Landlord and dobbin had Adnams), was excellent. It was well kept and served in the correct branded glasses at the right temperature. All in all, we would go again and yes, we would recommend it as we have already done so.
Originally posted by publandlord
They are on the list of food for a fiver in the Times today.
Reply ID 62229
Four of us went early evening Sunday to find most tables were occupied and, with the exception of the one we were placed at, those that weren't had been booked so the popularity is evident. Though busy, the waiter service was attentive and polite. Also, though busy, the noise of a busy establishment was not overpowering and a conversation was enjoyed at a comfortable speech volume. Little Woody is known for being a fussy eater, though this didn't faze the kitchen and the house-burger came exactly as amended from the menu. The remaining three of us enjoyed the roast beef - 3 good, thick slices each of succulent beef with gravy atop of superb roast potatoes and cauliflower cheese, served with a large side bowl of freshly steamed green beans, broccoli and carrots. Not forgetting the Yorkshire pudd'. And the horseradish sauce had a heat suggesting it was fresh (or freshly opened) and not from a long-opened jar. For dessert, the rasperry & rhubarb bakewell tart was moist with plenty of fruit and I am told that the crumble was lovely. Food quality = 4 Service = 4 Atmosphere = 3 Facilities = 3 Value for Money = 4 We will be returning, though will probably book to avoid disappointment.
Reply ID 63640
Adnams bitter on sale here at £2.45p a pint seems good value when it is not uncommon for a pint to be nearer the £3 mark in other pubs!
Reply ID 63675
this place is utter garbage, crap service, awful product, real shame because it spoils a nice long walk.... but saying that the smell of urine has disappeared since my last visit when it was a golden oldie beefeater style gaff...[;)]
Reply ID 63677
blimey. not a fan then ?
quote:
Originally posted by justin
this place is utter garbage, crap service, awful product, real shame because it spoils a nice long walk.... but saying that the smell of urine has disappeared since my last visit when it was a golden oldie beefeater style gaff...[;)]
Reply ID 63686
quote:Perhaps the pub needs you to take it over Justin.
Originally posted by justin
this place is utter garbage, crap service, awful product, real shame because it spoils a nice long walk.... but saying that the smell of urine has disappeared since my last visit when it was a golden oldie beefeater style gaff...[;)]
Reply ID 63687
I think not; That would be disasterous for the cowper. It's not a restaurant, it's just a country pub. Things shouldnt try to be things they arnt, and people shouldnt expect such things. Everyone's entitled to a view, but seeing as this place has had masses of positive reviews recently, makes you realise that justin's comments are not representative in any way.
Reply ID 63709
We have eaten here quite recently. Good food, good ale, good service and prices are not bad either. The steak nights are very popular too. Then again, we are not into Nouvelle Cuisine and all that malarky. We like value for money. And I agree with codek2, it is not restaurant just a country pub doing very well, thank you! Perhaps that is why it is in the Bars and Pubs category and not Restaurants. Each to his/her own opinion though.
Reply ID 63713
Had lunch there with some friends a few weeks ago and it was lovely. Nice service, reasonably priced food and pleasant surroundings. Ate dinner in Fox and Hounds at Hunsdon a while ago and food starter of terrine was inedible - looked and tasted like cat food [xx(]
Reply ID 63722
[:)][:)][:)] great stuff...
Reply ID 63723
We got back from the Cowper Arms a few hours ago - just eaten out on the Times Gastropub 2 for 1 promotion (which has now finished). We had a fantastic meal with 4 free glasses of Rioja and obviously 2 for 1 on main courses. All quickly served (but not too quick - good quick!) and very tasty! Service was very attentive. 3 pints of ale (which, incidentally, is very good - Landlord, Adnams and Bombadier on), 1 large glass NZ Sauvignon, 1 glass of coke, 4 glasses of Rioja, 2 Gammon, Chips and egg and 2 goats cheese tarts with extra chips and four puddings (which included the biggest portion of cheese and biscuits ever!) came to just over £50!! £12.50 a head for all that - amazing!
Reply ID 63724
quote:just out of interest i have no idea what cat food tastes like! Maybe for the benefit of myself and other forum users you could give a detailed appraisal of your dining experiences on cat food gastronomy. I take it that you are not a fan of Whiskas? Judging by your scren name.....[:D]
Originally posted by Kitty Kat
Had lunch there with some friends a few weeks ago and it was lovely. Nice service, reasonably priced food and pleasant surroundings. Ate dinner in Fox and Hounds at Hunsdon a while ago and food starter of terrine was inedible - looked and tasted like cat food [xx(]
Reply ID 63726
i believe there is some stupid law that states meat in cat/dog food must be fit for human consumption. Indeed pedigree petfoods actually use human tasting in their development of the products - i've seen it! Bleurgh!
Reply ID 63820
Furry P and The Screaming Old Git like Whiskas so we'll send them off to get some of that 'nouvelle cuisine'. When's the next 2 for 1 offer on? I always think a good way to raise custom is to jump on the 'wierd day out' bandwaggon (like nettle eating or the world marble championships). Anywhere that does competative cockroach armwrestling has my vote.
Reply ID 80628
We've just been to the Cowper Arms for the first time and enjoyed a reasonable meal at a very good price. The service was pleasant and the food was piping hot and arrived quickly. The only criticism that I would make, however, is that the place needs a good clean: there are cobwebs on the ceiling and all the woodwork looks like it needs a good wash down. I wasn't going to mention the dead insects on the windowledge, but my partner just reminded me!