See what some of our customers have to say:
"They seem to be have a few more varying beers here these days. The Marlow Rebellion was on good form this time. Nice convivial locals pub on the High Street with a main area to the right as you go in and a smaller quieter bit to the left. Also has smoking/garden area out the back. Would say it's probably the best pub in Harpenden for ale at this moment in time...forgot to add that it's still the best pub in Harpenden"
"Nice little pub for a quiet drink without the hassle of TV and music blaring out. Tends to be one for the older generation. Good food and friendly staff who are happy for a chat."
"I had a nice pint of Rebellion IPA of which the very welcoming barman let me taste before paying he said that it was nearing the end of the barrel. It was fine."
"The new owner has really done a good job to get rid of some of the gloom in the place, and the beer garden is much more welcoming and family friendly than it once was."
"There has been an amazing improvement recently in the Cross Keys. Thanks to a new owner and the much needed TLC that this little pub deserves. The staff are friendly and the beers have been consistently good, including the occasional guest ale. The garden is being replanted and new furniture should make this a great venue in the coming months. (if it ever gets warmer!) Dog walkers and ramblers are also welcome for some home-cooked, traditional pub food. All in all a successful turnaround and new lease of life for the 'Keys'. Well done."
Originally featured on www.beerintheevening.com
The Barns Dene Pub Crawl
Taking a drink in every pub over a 12 hour period, the Barns Dene Pub Crawl team are well organised and dedicated to their task of identifying the best pub in Harpenden. Parading the winner’s trophy the team visited 20 pubs, took copious notes and sampled the fayre on offer in each. And after an exhaustive evening of testing and review in mid January, they awarded the title of ‘BDI Harpenden Pub of 2008’ to THE CROSS KEYS.
The trophy can be seen displayed in our trophy cabinet until the next pub crawl in 2010.