Old Knebworth

Being situated in the picturesque North Hertfordshire countryside The Lytton Arms is very popular with ramblers, horse riders, and cyclists whilst still very popular with local business people. The Lytton Arms has featured in many renowned food and pub guides over the last decade and has appeared in every one of CAMRA's Good Beer Guides for the last 10 years. A full menu is available every day, lunchtime and evening (limited menu on Sunday evening) 12-2pm 6.30-9.30pm (9.00pm Sunday). The Lytton Arms was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, a brother-in-law of Lord Lytton and built around 1877 replacing the previous Inn, now a private residence next door. Originally built for Hawkes and Company of Bishop's Stortford, it was taken over by Benskins of Watford in 1898. The original Hawkes and Company logo may still be seen in the wrought ironwork of the pub sign outside, believed to be the last artifact of this brewery. The Inn adjoins the Knebworth estate, home of the Lytton family for many years. Many photographs of the house and family are displayed in the bar, together with photographs of the famous Knebworth Pop Festivals. Items of Railwaymania and Breweryania are also displayed. Whereas Pool tables, video games and Juke boxes are non existent, the pub offers a relaxing atmosphere with the addition of Bar Skittles, Shove ha'penny and Dominos being played at times. Over 2600 different ales have been served over the past 10 years as well as a wide range of Belgium bottled beers and 50 malt Whiskies. Together with Spring and Autumn beer festivals this makes the pub one of the favourite watering holes for beer connoisseurs in the country. An interesting and varied menu comprising of bar snacks to full meals is available both lunch times and evenings everyday and with the addition of a conservatory at the rear of the pub, large groups and private functions can be catered for. Wintertime in the bar boasts a cosy log fire and treats such as Roast Chestnuts and Hot Glüwein being available. In the Summertime the pub boasts an attractive beer garden to the rear with regular B B Qs (weather permitting) and the recent addition of an outdoor Giant Chess Set. Knebworth Station is on the Kings Cross to Cambridge line. Services operated by WAGN twice hourly from London. The Lytton Arms is a 20 minute walk from the station directly up the hill and beyond. A local taxi firm operates a service (01438) 817001. A Bus service also operates from Stevenage. No accommodation here. Check out the Millennium Brewery products here.

Additional Notes:	I spent New Year's Eve with a group of friends in the Lytton Arms. Having been told that it has recently been taken over by a new landlord we decided to give it a try. We've been there several times in the past and enjoyed the food and atmosphere. However, on New Year's Eve the music was played so loud early in the evening that it was impossible to have a conversation. The records played were stopped abruptly before the end, there would be a few seconds pause then another record would blast out. Not fading in. If someone is trying to change the atmosphere of this pub, they are doing a good job of it. It was a change we didn't like, though, so it's unlikely we'll go there again. And, needless to say, we left before midnight. (2002)
	Since changing hands all the railway memorabelia has gone. Video screens and TV's now dominate the bar along with new tables and chairs which appeared after the refurbishment. The atmosphere has gone entirely and the only reason for going is still the selection of ales. A very disappointing pub compared to how it used to be. (2004)
	As well as the physical changes commented on in previous reviews, I have to say that the food has also gone downhill. On two recent visits I had a tough/fatty piece of meat (Lamb) and a curry that was swimming in water because somebody failed to drain the rice properly. I won't be going back for the food......... (21/6/05)