The Jolly Fisherman is set right on top of the River Lea in Stanstead Abbotts. It's a McMullen pub, meaning you get some of the best real ales that the local Brewery (based in Hertford) produce. That's in addition to a good selection of wines, an OK selection of Lagers and Bulmers or Strongbow for the cider fans. It's disappointing in a way that aside from the ales, there aren't more local or specialist drinks available to make this place a cut above the other two pubs in the village.
It is a nice 'country' pub, with lots of exposed beams but not too many artefacts, so it doesn't feel like it is trying too hard to be a historical venue. Having said that, the recent refurbishments and change of ownership have seen it veer dangerously towards gastro-pub territory. Thankfully I think they saw the error of their ways, and the food menu is fairly refreshing now, with a mix of traditional dishes and more contemporary eating. These include locally produced Hertfordshire sausages and delicious organic baguettes with a choice of fillings. The ploughmans lunch has a suitably rural bent too.
A large part of the pub is indeed set aside for a tabled, serviced restaurant area, along with several other tables that are not serviced. Don't go expecting comfortable sofas to lounge in, and there isn't that much standing area either, but it's rarely so busy that you won't be able to get a seat.
There is no entertainment to speak of other than a quiz night (currently every other Monday night). There is also no TV, so no football here. The other pubs in the village (The Red Lion and The Lord Louis) cater for that side of things.
Where this pub really comes into its own is in the summer. Situated right next to the village green, which itself is alongside the River Lea, you can sprawl out beyond the outer seating area and onto the grass. This is the perfect place to sit and watch the world go by with the sun beating down, reflecting off of the water in front of you. The long canal and house boats chug up and down the river, and with plenty of moorings directly next to the pub they do a roaring trade on a sunny weekend. You can wander down and feed the myriad of ducks, moorhens and swans with the kids, and relax in what is an idyllic English countryside atmosphere. It's easy to spend the whole day there, and annoying local teenage boys aside, the people are all friendly and chatty.
Every year there is a village festival held on the green too, and the Jolly Fisherman plays its part by having a BBQ in their car park - this is not to be missed, with the same Hertfordshire sausages from their regular menu, and 100% ground beef burgers being cooked up with speed and quality.
Other special events such as Christmas, Mothers Day etc. are marked with bookable meals, and are almost always sold out well in advance.
The only criticism I can level at the Fisherman is the prices. It can be a little steep for some stuff, but you're not only paying for the products - it's the location and the atmosphere too. If you want to sit in a boozer, head to the Lord Louis. If you want a middle of the road pub with a TV, head to The Red Lion. However, if you want a family-friendly pub/restaurant then the Fisherman is worth the extra pennies.
The staff are friendly and polite, the toilets very clean and well maintained, and the food is good quality. Add all that to the summer days out on the grass with a few cheeky G&Ts and you end up with the four stars I've given it. It would be a five if our summers were longer! read more