In this week’s focus blog, we’re taking a look at the branch’s ‘Cider Pub of the Year’ for 2022 – Monks Inn, Hemel Hempstead.
Situated in Hemel Hempstead’s market square, Monks Inn gushes with traditional farmhouse, scrumpy and playfully flavoured ciders on a weekly basis. This year, Monks Inn has completed the holy trinity of Mid-Chilterns CAMRA awards, taking ‘Best Newcomer’ in 2019 then ‘Overall Champion Pub of the Year’ in 2020, and now ‘Cider Pub of the Year’. What a trophy cabinet!
ABOUT THE PUB
Hertfordshire is a far cry from the heralded cider-making territories of Somerset, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire, yet Hemel Hempstead’s illuminated market square is a bastion for those fond of an apple-based tipple (or two!).
Amongst the nail salons, barbers and food vendors of varying creed (Jollof Rice from Triple B and Pita Gyros from Hellynmic Hym are both quality choices that can be brought into pair with your pint) sits a building gilded in green and white, once home to a branch of Jenning’s Betting Shops. Since 2018 this space has housed Monks Inn micropub, a space that hums with rockers, bikers, gamers and more, all gleefully glugging up to six unique ciders poured Monday through to Sunday.
ABOUT THE CIDER
Popular producers such as Celtic Marches, Pulp, Gwynt Y Ddraig and Sandford Orchards grace glasses either by the pint or the half, as session ciders are offered alongside more robust examples that have been made to traditional, higher strengths.
MORE THAN JUST QUALITY CIDER
Talking of calibre, this establishment has gone from strength to strength in its’ modest but perfectly formed 5-year history. Highlights include ‘Best Newcomer’ and ‘Overall Champion Pub of the Year’ commendations, each an acknowledgement of Monks’ stellar cask ale selection, welcoming environment and admirable community ethos. It could be argued that the resilience of Monk Inn’s was recognised most over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the micropub’s extended family (AKA ‘Monkonians’) were pulled together by an extraordinary effort from Clint (owner) and his staff behind the bar.
In the times when no pub could operate conventionally, Monks Inn took to the pumps to pour containers of delicious cider and beer for customers to takeaway, with a contact-free home-delivery service for those more cautious. The dedication, positivity and community ethos of Monks Inn represented a bright light in an otherwise dark time for all, no less for hospitality workers themselves. We congratulate Monks Inn on their Cider win, made more impressive with the knowledge of recent adversities that the team have conquered with fervour.
WHAT NOW?
The good times keep on coming for ‘Monkonians’ with the opening of its sister pub Friars Inn in August this year, conveniently located opposite, also in the Market Square (situated in the former ‘Market Arms’ premise – open Monday-Sunday).
Craft-keg beer, pool tables, darts and a jukebox are joined by regular live music events as key highlights of the new location. Clint has also made improvements in the club above Friars. Previously known as ‘FUSE’ the reopened space is now named ‘Roxys’, with live and recorded music covering genres both old and new. Plans to add a dedicated kitchen and a roster of varied events such as drag, burlesque, art displays and private parties are all in the pipeline.
Bonded by a common mission for quality and community, Clint’s exciting vision sees each establishment excel in their unique specialities.
ONE FOR THE ROAD
As both a speciality and source of acclaim for the founding pub, quality cider from renowned producers is always on offer at Monks Inn. Here’s to Monks Inn, Hemel Hempstead – your Cider ‘Pub of the Year’ for 2022.
