The cosy environment is the biggest asset of this cute little pub on a quiet part of Gloucester Road. Do not expect special thrills and you won’t be disappointed.

The Venue
Hereford Arms can boast a couple of famous patrons. In Victorian times, the pub was rumoured to be the drinking den of the infamous Jack The Ripper. Hold onto those shivers - his presence was never confirmed nor was his identity, so this claim was never verified.

The pub is a very cosy ground floor room built around a large bar, with a low ceiling, wooden benches, brick walls, ancient wood fixtures, old wallpaper, and heavy brocade curtains, all helping to preserve the traditional old-time pub feeling. The dining area is particularly intimate and the yellow lampshades project a warm light everywhere. The outdoor heaters are a nice added touch to keep the smokers warm.

The Atmosphere
An older crowd mixes with few office workers but occasional young groups can be seen passing through the door as well. All in all, Hereford Arms is definitely a local joint: the punters tend to live nearby and meet up here for the usual pint.

Sports are broadcast on a big screen keeping everyone hypnotised, but the atmosphere is otherwise rather chatty. The games machine, even if partially justifiable given the fact that Cluedo ties in nicely with the pub’s history, is quite redundant and should be removed.

The Food
A no-nonsense British affair with some delectably chosen ingredients, the menu isn’t very extensive but offers a decent choice of starters (£3.50-£8), mains (£6.50-£12) and desserts.

Very popular with the regulars - especially the older ones - is food like the British hunters lamb rump (£12), cooked with a tomato and red wine sauce, or the farm assured chicken filled with mozzarella, wrapped in bacon with tomato basil, satisfying even the most even if it is doubtful all meals are cooked on the premises. The vegetarian options are particularly well thought out, like the flavourful pesto garlic mushrooms (£4.50) or the winter vegetable tart tatin (£8) with roasted root vegetable and Somerset brie.

The Drink
Spirits and wines are the usual affair at the Hereford Arms, out to satisfy most without providing an unforgettable experience: reds and whites are averagely priced at £2.50-£4.30 for a small glass, £3.30-£6 for a big one and £9-£17 for a bottle.

The selection of beers isn’t anything special but you can still ditch the boring old Guinness in favour of Staropramen, Leffe, Hoegaarden, Stella, Timothy Taylor Landlords, Wells Bombardier, Smiles Drifter, Theakston Old Peculiar and Spitfire. Prices are not rock bottom but not unaffordable with a draught going for £3-£4 and a bottle costing £3.20-£3.60.

The Last Word
Unless you are a Holmes die-hard fan, Hereford Arms will not make you gape in awe. However, if you are in the Gloucester Road area, it is still a good pub to visit.

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