05 Dec 2025
St Albans’ much-loved “battlefield” pub The Boot has become the only hostelry in the Home Counties to feature in the inaugural Guinness Harp Guide.
This new initiative highlights 35 pubs across Britain which not only pour a flawless pint of Guinness, but also offer a warm welcome, great service, a buzzing atmosphere and a genuine love of stout.
All of the pubs featured will receive an official Guinness brass harp plaque to recognise their achievements.
The Grade II-listed Boot, which dates back to 1420 and overlooks the site of the opening battle of the War of the Roses in Market Place, has been run by father and son team Will and Sean Hughes for 21 years.
Sean said: “I am over the moon to hear that the team at The Boot have made it onto this list. We had no idea about it and we only found out about it three weeks ago and had to sign an embargo to stop it coming out before this week. The Guinness Harp Guide team have been secretly going to venues over the last 12 months and we had no idea so I think this is one of the best awards The Boot could have won.
“It’s not just about the perfect pint of Guinness it was also based on the staff, the pub and the community within. We promise to ensure you will always get a superb pint of Guinness but will also be a community pub right in the heart of St Albans for local residents and visitors alike.”
