12 Bridge St, Hitchin SG5 2DE

About This Pub

Ah, BB's Bar – it's one of those places that just feels like a proper local haunt, tucked away in a 17th-century building on Bridge Street. I have to say, what really stands out is their dedication to real ales; they've got a rotating selection that's won awards, and it's clear from the buzz in the reviews that it's a hit with anyone who appreciates a good pint. Pair that with a lively atmosphere for watching football or other sports, and you've got somewhere that pulls you in for more than just a quick drink. The staff are absolute stars, always up for a friendly word, and they've sorted out nice touches like the outdoor area and event spaces for parties or meetings, which makes it versatile for all sorts of get-togethers. On the flip side, the opening hours can be a tad erratic, changing with events or bank holidays, so it's easy to turn up and find it quieter than expected or even adjusted. Plus, some bits like the ale pumps are hidden away, so you might need to wander a bit to discover the full offerings. Overall, it's a warm and welcoming spot that does pub essentials really well, but like any place, it's not perfect – still, I'd reckon it's worth a visit for a relaxed evening with friends, as long as you plan ahead.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The real ales are top-notch, with a fantastic selection like Citra, JHB, and Oakham's stable options – they even won a CAMRA award for best up-and-coming ale bar in North Herts, so it's a real treat for beer enthusiasts.
  • It's a brilliant spot for catching live sport; the atmosphere gets lively and engaging, making it feel like you're watching with a bunch of mates.
  • The staff are incredibly friendly and chatty, always ready for a good natter, which really adds to the welcoming vibe.
  • They've got a lovely outdoor area and a cosy conservatory that's perfect for events like birthdays or even weddings, with high-quality sound and a big smart TV.
  • The food is fresh and excellent, from what folks have said, and it's all served in a historic building from 1637, giving it that charming, old-school feel with a modern twist.
Cons
  • The opening hours can be a bit unpredictable, especially with sporting events or bank holidays, so it's worth double-checking before you head out to avoid disappointment.
  • Some features, like the hand pumps for ales, aren't immediately obvious as they're at the back, which might mean you miss out if you're not exploring a bit.
  • It's not claimed by the owners on Google, which could mean responses to any issues might be slower than you'd hope.
  • While the reviews we've seen are glowing, the overall rating is a solid 4.3, suggesting there might be the odd off day or mixed experiences that aren't captured here.

Contact Information

12 Bridge St, Hitchin SG5 2DE
+441462656084
Bar
Opens at 16:00

Opening Hours

Monday (Today)16:00 - 23:00
Tuesday16:00 - 23:00
Wednesday16:00 - 23:00
Thursday16:00 - 23:00
Friday16:00 - 00:00
Saturday12:00 - 00:00
Sunday12:00 - 20:00

Location

Recent Reviews

Great place to watch the football and enjoy some nice ales
EP
Eric Phillips
Great, friendly sports bar with good selection of beers and ales
IH
Ian Hamilton
Popped in for the first time last week and really enjoyed it. Although not visible at first entrance there are 6 hand pumps on a second bar at the rear of the pub. There was a great selection of mostly Oakham beers. The staff were very friendly and chatty, and the bar had good music and some table games too (Jenga was our favourite)
ET
Ellen Thomas
Fab little bar. Looks like a quaint old fashioned bar but feels very clean and modern. Went to a 50th birthday. Had a lovely back room and the gorgeous garden are. Everyone was so friendly. The food was excellent! Shame I don't live closer.
JL
Jo Louise W
A great bar with a light and airy area to sit in. A great outside area that is covered. Staff are all friendly and welcoming. We had a function that was catered for by BBs and the food was amazing. I can definitely recommend this for anyone even though it isn't a huge venue
DT
Dan Terry

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