Pub Heritage Cross Keys
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Hertfordshire - Harpenden
Two star - A pub interior of outstanding national historic interest
Listed Status: II
39 High StreetHarpenden
AL5 2SD
OS ref: TL133144
Tel: (01582) 763989
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/crosskeysharpenden
Real Ale: Yes
Station: Yes
Nearby Station: Harpenden
Station Distance: 450m
Public Transport: Near Railway Station (Harpenden) and Bus Stop
Bus: Yes
View on: Whatpub
A pub since at least 1731 but notable for the virtually-intact design scheme superimposed in the 1950s. Various 'olde worlde' features were introduced such as brick fireplaces with medieval overtones, leaded windows and bench seats. The bar on the right has a fine flag-stoned floor and oak beams pre-dating the make-over. The pewter top on the semi-circular bar (with pewter handpump base as well) is one of only half a dozen in the country. The counter itself has old studded timber dividers infilled with (modern) brown tiles. Note the brass inlaid cross keys on the floor as you rnter - also from the make-over. The left hand lounge has a quarter-circle wooden counter with brick infill and red Formica top. The glass fronted display cases may once have been used to store bottles of spirits
This two-bar town pub dates back to at least 1731 (when it was The White Hart). It had a make-over in the fifties and a visit is a must to see a virtually intact design scheme which is a splendid survivor considering its town centre location. Various “olde worlde” features were incorporated such as a brick fireplaces with medieval overtones, leaded windows and bench seats. The bar on the right has a fine stone-flagged floor and oak beams which are much older. The counter itself has old studded timber dividers infilled with (modern) brown tiles. The semi-circular bar has a pewter top and pewter handpump base - one of only half a dozen in the whole country. The brass inlaid cross keys on the lino floor as you enter date from the early 1960s.
The left hand lounge has a quarter circle bar counter of wood with brick infill and with a red Formica top. Note the two glass fronted display cases possibly originally used to store bottles of spirits. One of the diamond shaped leaded panels in the front left window has the initials 'RHJ + BB' and refer to previous licensees Reg & Brenda Johnson who ran the pub from 1961 to the 1980s - a local repaired the window 'for a drink'!
Hanging from the beams are numerous pewter mugs etc. on numbered hooks and there are lists of who owns them in frames on the wall.
Full Description
The left hand lounge has a quarter circle bar counter of wood with brick infill and with a red Formica top. Note the two glass fronted display cases possibly originally used to store bottles of spirits. One of the diamond shaped leaded panels in the front left window has the initials 'RHJ + BB' and refer to previous licensees Reg & Brenda Johnson who ran the pub from 1961 to the 1980s - a local repaired the window 'for a drink'!
Hanging from the beams are numerous pewter mugs etc. on numbered hooks and there are lists of who owns them in frames on the wall.
