Herts &amp; Beds


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Alfordarmscover1-1000x667.jpg" alt="Alford arms" class="wp-image-95211" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Alfordarmscover1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Alfordarmscover1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Alfordarmscover1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There’s no shortage of charming countryside pubs across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, so what makes <a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/alford-arms-frithsden/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Alford Arms</a> so special you ask? Sure, it has cosy farmhouse-style interiors, a beautiful outdoor terrace and exceptional food. But what really sets it apart is its enormous heart. Warm, welcoming and rooted in the community, The Alford Arms is the kind of place that makes everyone feel at home from the moment they walk through the door. Located down a twisty country lane in the hamlet of Frithsden (on the edge of Ashridge Forest) it’s overlooked by the village green and stacks of gorgeous woodland. A delightful escape, the pub has been going for more than 20 years and is as appealing to the locals who pop in for a friendly drink as it is to those looking for a high-end gastro pub.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<p>Although temperatures were nudging 35°C on the day we visited, the staff were super friendly and remarkably cheerful despite the energy-sapping heat. Arriving with two wilting children in tow, we gratefully opted for a cool table indoors, though the terrace was undeniably tempting, with its shady parasols, neatly clipped box hedging and quintessential English countryside charm.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Alfordarmsdiningroom-1000x667.jpg" alt="The alford Arms dining room" class="wp-image-95202" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Alfordarmsdiningroom-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Alfordarmsdiningroom-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Alfordarmsdiningroom.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Inside, the décor strikes the perfect balance between rustic and refined. Farmhouse-style wooden tables fill the dining room, while a convivial old-fashioned pub bar stands front of house. Despite the soaring temperatures, the restaurant was busy with friends lingering over lunch with Sunday newspapers, a family celebrating a grandmother&#8217;s 80th birthday, and a couple taking time out for lunch with their newborn baby. This is a place where everyone is welcome — kids and dogs too.</p>



<p>The Alford Arms would be an excellent pub to hunker down in during winter with one of its famous Sunday roasts &#8211; but with the weather being more Med than British, we were looking for something lighter. And oh, the menu didn’t disappoint.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Main1500x1000-1000x667.jpg" alt="Main meal" class="wp-image-95203" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Main1500x1000-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Main1500x1000-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Main1500x1000.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Think pub classics like free range pork belly, sausages with mash and rib-eye steak with garlic butter and skinny chips. Specials included a pan roast sea bass fillet and sage and onion roasted panisse with all the trimmings. For starters, we decided to share a selection of nibbles:&nbsp;olives, rustic breads with slow-roast garlic and crispy mushrooms with hot sauce and blue cheese dip (a top recommendation from our waitress). Delicious.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Mains21500x1000-1000x667.jpg" alt="Food at the alford arms" class="wp-image-95204" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Mains21500x1000-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Mains21500x1000-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Mains21500x1000.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For mains, we ummed and ahhed but with the screaming hot weather being what it was we passed up on the Sunday roast, vowing to return for it on another day and plumped for a classic caesar salad with roast free range chicken, sourdough croutons and anchovies. My partner went off menu and the super-helpful waitress recommended a rocket salad with free range egg, squid and a mouth-watering dressing. Delicious.</p>



<p>There’s a whole kids section too, which my children both ate from – fish goujons, breaded chicken, locally made pork sausages are all on the menu.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Dessert1500x1000-1000x667.jpg" alt="dessert at the alford arms" class="wp-image-95205" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Dessert1500x1000-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Dessert1500x1000-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Dessert1500x1000.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Desserts looked divine – think apple crumble with cardamom crumble, steamed treacle and orange sponge, chocolate and caramel tart – but to cool us all down we plumped for homemade ice cream and homemade sorbet. Again, it was gorgeous and scoffed in seconds.</p>



<p>The wine list is extensive, offering a good selection of reds, whites, and rosés. A decent coffee rounded off the meal, and we vowed to return on a cooler day to enjoy the famous Sunday roast.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about"><strong>OUT &amp; ABOUT</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/aSHRIDGEgarden7cover-1000x667.jpg" alt="ashridge house Gardens" class="wp-image-94446" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/aSHRIDGEgarden7cover-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/aSHRIDGEgarden7cover-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/aSHRIDGEgarden7cover.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>With the historic Ashridge Estate on its doorstep and the rolling Chiltern Hills as its backdrop, The Alford Arms is the perfect stop-off for walkers, cyclists, dog owners, visitors exploring Ashridge House and just about anyone else.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong>&nbsp;country-pub loving foodies, date nights, family meals out, that sort of thing.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> If you’re looking for a formal fine dining experience with linen napkins and a hushed ambience, this isn’t it.</p>



<p><strong>The damage: </strong>Starters from £9.50; mains from £18.25 and sides are extra. Puds flirt at around £8. Wine varies from £31 – £63 a bottle and starts at £7.75 for a small glass.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://alfordarms.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Alford Arms</a>, Frithsden, Nr. Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP1 3DD. Tel: 01442 86 44 80</em></p>


Review: The Alford Arms, Frithsden

You may also like