How Much Does a Pint of Real Ale Cost in Hertford? (2025 Update)
At the Old Cross Tavern, a standard pint typically sits around £4.60–£5.20, with rotating guest cask ales £5.00–£5.50 depending on brewery and strength. Premium keg and imported beers range £6.00–£7.20.
We price fairly, we don’t mug you off, and we keep every pint immaculate.
Why prices vary
- Beer duty & VAT: Government slice before you’ve even sniffed the head.
- Brewery costs: Smaller or imported breweries cost more.
- Strength: Higher ABV means higher tax.
- Wastage & quality control: Cask needs regular line cleaning and tasting.
- Staff, rent, electricity: All part of keeping the lights on and the beer cold.
🔎 How We Compare Locally
We like to be straight with people, so we checked a few other Hertford pubs in early October 2025 to see how our prices stack up.
Everyone runs a different kind of house, but here’s roughly where things sit for a standard pint of cask ale:
Pub Typical Cask Price Notes Old Cross Tavern £4.60 – £5.20 Eight rotating handpulls, always fresh and perfectly kept The Woolpack ~£5.00 – £5.20 McMullen’s core range, just 100 yards down the road The Old Barge £5.10 – £5.40 Riverside spot with a mix of cask and craft taps The Salisbury Arms £5.30 – £5.60 Food-led pub with premium guest ales The Black Horse £4.80 – £5.10 Friendly community local serving familiar favourites Prices checked October 2025 — may vary with beer strength, duty, and supplier costs.
Typical 2025 price bands
- House cask ale: £4.60
- Guest cask ales: £5.00–£5.80
- Premium/import keg: £6.00–£7.50
- Lager: £5
- Half pints: half price — no funny business.
Why it’s worth it
We keep eight handpulls turning, lines spotless, and beer fresh. You’ll always get honest pricing, quality cellar care, and conversation instead of thumping bass.
Our cellar standards keep every pint bright — see why flat beer isn’t our style →


