The Old Cock Inn

We’ve eaten here many times before it was run by a different manager. Whilst waiting for the food to arrive it felt like we had been forgotten about so I went to ask at the desk for some more drinks. A lady kindly took our order but 15 minutes later no drinks. Our food was begun to be plated at 15.55 at 16.01 the first bell was rung by the chefs at the pass. At 16.09 our food was still not at the table the chefs had now rung the bell 3 times. And we had no drinks. When the food did arrive it was very nice but you could tell it had it been fresh it would have been fantastic. We all enjoyed the food. When the Lady came over I asked her who was in charge to which she replied herself. As someone that’s had many lovely meals there in the past; I mentioned that the food was waiting for a long time whilst the other members of staff was doing other things taking phone calls and polishing glasses etc…so I just wanted to inform them maybe it would be prudent to look after the people here and food that is dying at the pass. She became instantly annoyed and responded well it is under a hot plate…I outlined that you have great chefs producing great food and your wasting their hard work leaving it sitting for no reason and that at some point this will likely annoy your kitchen staff because the front of house is letting them down. The Manager couldn’t care about the feedback and didn’t listen to a word. The feedback was offered because I felt it was unfair on the kitchen staff having their food spoiled; the restaurant wasn’t even busy like it used to be so it seems the rot has set in. The Manager then when bringing a drink referred to me in a derogatory manner to another customer at the bar and I heard her. When challenged she laughed. I’ve never seen such dreadful customer service when trying to offer some polite feedback.

Had a very impromptu visit on 15/8 and what a lovely stay!! Staff on check in were great, breakfast and the girl serving breakfast were fantastic and couldn’t do more for us! Thank you! My only gripe is that the curtains in our otherwise lovely modern, clean room were ripped.

Writing on behalf of my son’s experience in trying to secure some bar work. He was told by the manager to come and do a trial shift on a Friday which resulted in him doing plenty of glass collecting, cutlery polishing and general other duties. All with the promise that the manger would sit and have a chat with him at the end of the night. - her promise! No chat, no feedback and therefore no work. Just a scam to get some free labour in. If this is how the manager run this place I will be avoiding and would advise other youngsters to avoid being conned.

What a gem of a place in the heart of an old market town in Hertfordshire..... A lovely pub that offers fantastic food, drink and atmosphere. Becka and her team couldn't do enough for you, warm, friendly and attentive; a must if you're in the area, not one to miss!!!

Massive disappointment as service, food and value all way below par. We had to find our own space outside in the marquee by combining three tables and chairs to provide seating for our party of 8. Where were the staff? Studied the limited menu carefully before we all placed our orders for starters and mains with beef brisket pie and steaks proving popular. The manager took our orders to the kitchen only to return with the news that they had no beef left!! This was 7,30pm on a Wednesday evening - how badly managed was the kitchen to achieve such an unwelcome stock out. We studied the menu again but with far less enthusiasm. I ordered the beer battered cod and chips with mushy peas - these came with the onion rings i had ordered to accompany my steak. How stupid not to check that i still wanted them after the cancelled steak episode! The cod was dry and unappetising as was the plasterboard batter. I left most including the chips. As a Yorkshireman, i have sugar on my mushy peas but the kitchen said they had no loose sugar only white knobs - useless. Most others had diverted to the luxury fish pie. Oh no it wasn't, it was just lumpy mashed potato with the odd bit of white fish and salmon. After a few ices etc for pudding, we all asked for coffees and teas. No this was not possible as they had no hot water. This had become the modern day equivalent to "Fawlty Towers" but minus any of the amusement. I have not had such a bad evening supper for some time.

Rooms are very nice and comfortable, good coffee bags and fresh milk in the corridor fridge to make yourself a drink. Pub staff were friendly enough, it's a pub with rooms not hotel so won't get a decent check in etc. No parking for pub. Lots of on road free (time limited) parking outside and I found a cheap pay and display not far away which was more convenient than having to move my car multiple times. No option for breakfast. M&S foodhall near by which was best option I could find for working day start time. My room overlooked the beer garden. Pub is obviously very popular, lots of fun being had during my stay which made it hard to sleep before closing time. Again no issue if you're not working the next day etc. Windows aren't double glazed. I'd avoid for business stays but would stay for a few nights for leisure. It's in a lovely location