A REPUTATION for serving the best home-made chips in St Albans precedes The Mermaid pub in Hatfield Road - what better reason to visit this friendly watering hole?

Dating back to 1834, the hostelry is well preserved, both outside and in, to retain its almost tangible sense of history.

Landlord Dick Underwood and his wife Lyn are hospitable and popular with regulars and staff alike. A laid-back yet welcoming atmosphere permeates a pub bedecked with interesting pictures, signs and paraphernalia.

As well as beers, spirits and bottled drinks, there is a choice of two guest ales, changed every few days.

It's a hospitable pub with events almost daily. An 'open microphone' event on Wednesday nights gives local musicians an opportunity to share floorspace with a host band.

A quiz night is held on Thursdays but, due to the pub darts team's matches on the same day, is soon to swop to Mondays.

The community-minded pub also boasts football and backgammon teams, as well as organising regular charity fundraising events. And there are plenty of other games, including cribbage, dominoes and board games.

The menu is basic but refreshingly unpretentious - no shaved truffle and duck salad here - with food both tasty and affordable.

During the day, The Mermaid is very popular with Oaklands College students and staff, while at night it attracts a range of punters from businessmen to artists.

As landlady Lyn puts it: "The best thing is that everyone gets along well with each other. That's what it's all about, having a good laugh, and we hope to offer that sort of feeling."

I do have one gripe - credit cards are not accepted. Beware the conveniently positioned cash point next to the bar which charges £1.70 for each transaction.

Parking is available - a boon so close to the city centre - and there is seating outside.

CL