The Paper Mill, Apsley

The Paper Mill, Apsley

Someone from this business manages this listing.
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+44 1442 288800+ Add website
Hours
Sun
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Mon
11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Tue
11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Wed
11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Thu
11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Fri
11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sat
11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
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What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
3.5
3.5 of 5 bubbles

RATINGS
Food
3.7 of 5 bubbles
Service
3.8 of 5 bubbles
Value
3.3 of 5 bubbles
Atmosphere
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
CUISINES
Bar, British, Pub, Gastropub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks
features
Does this restaurant have live music
About
A modern pub & restaurant, on the banks of the canal, is known for excellent pub food, great ales & friendly service, warm log fires & an outdoor terrace, it's a family-friendly pub for all seasons.
CUISINES
Bar, British, Pub, Gastropub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music
3.5
3.5 of 5 bubbles950 reviews
Excellent
286
Very good
313
Average
181
Poor
99
Terrible
71

The_Concierge_8
Trinidad and Tobago3813 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 couples
We visited Apsley on the last weekend of January to explore a new place. The canal was quaint and a few businesses that operate along the bank were open, though others remained closed. We crossed the lovely modern metal & brick bridge to walk the canal path, but it was so muddy, towpath exploration wasn't very fruitful. The Paper Mill was closed on our walk out but on the way back it was open and it was packed inside. Clearly it's a popular place with the locals. We ordered drinks and with no available tables, were about to go outside (yes in the cold) to have our drinks, but one of the bartenders saw us and kindly ushered us toward a table where customers were leaving and cleaned it for us. They distinguish themselves with this kind of service! But drinks are drinks. We were feeling munchy but the deciding factor to stay and eat here really came down to the menu and the prices. They are definitely London city prices so we had lunch elsewhere. They have the most beautiful location along the canal and with tons of outdoor seating, this must be a jiving place in warmer months!
Written March 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SerenaG1967
St. Albans48 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 friends
Very disappointing. We booked a table for three people overlooking the canal for 7:30. When we arrived we were told the table had mistakenly been reserved for 6:30 and had been given to someone else. The waiter said he’d move a table from inside the bar to outside, but the only place he could put it was right in the entrance and not over looking the canal. Fortunately another table became free right next to the canal so we were able to move. However this table had an extremely unstable bench! The next disappointment was the food. We’d looked at the main menu online before booking and though it was limited we had all seen a pasta dish which sounded ok, but this wasn’t on the main menu in the bar. The waiter said it might be on the specials menu so we said we’d look at that, but we were then told they weren’t doing the specials menu that evening. We all opted for the plant based burger (which we had to order online - so frustrating when there are lots of waiting staff). Ten minutes later a waitress came over to tell us they’d run out of burger buns! She suggested that we could have some hummus and sourdough instead of the burger buns. We agreed to this. Another ten or so minutes and our burgers came out in buns!! We asked what had happened to the hummus and she said we didn’t need it cos they’d found some more burger buns! We did persuade the waitress to give us a 20% discount off our next bottle of wine, but to be honest this wasn’t enough to persuade me to ever go back. Two dog fights in the middle of the outdoor seating also marred the evening. Overall a thoroughly disappointing experience.
Written August 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Redkite51
Exeter41 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021 none
Unfortunately we were met with a rather rude man who was on the meet and greet desk where you have to scan codes. My greeting was ‘Hello, we’ve got a table booked’ and his response was a Curt ‘Wait a minute’ - no smile, no gracious explanation. Hmmm not a great start. Ordering drinks was easy and they came very fast. I found a piece of silverpaper and film in my fish pie which left me wondering where the pie had actually been made. We were given two free puddings to mollify us for this intruder in the fish pie but there was confusion over that and it felt as if it were done with a very bad grace. My fish pie was very uninspiring and impossible to detect any pieces of fish - just a general mush under very gluey mash potato. The accompanying greens were virtually raw and so quite unpleasant (and I eat my greens very lightly cooked generally) - for a whisker under £15 I felt very disappointed. My dinner companions were more satisfied with their meals and declared the chips to be good. Over all I think the place is very expensive and the staff could definitely be friendlier to make you feel more welcome
Written May 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sarah B
1 contribution
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 friends
I’m not normally one to write a review but felt I had to share my experience. I had booked a table and expected to be seated in the restaurant area but when we arrived we found that the restaurant was closed so we were seated in the bar area. We had not been informed at the time of booking that the restaurant wasn’t available as I probably wouldn’t have booked the table. We weren’t given any menus and were just told to order at the bar when we were ready. When we eventually found our own menus the food choices were quite limited. The food was hot when served and the chicken burger was tasty if not on the small side but my friends half chicken was found to be raw in places (see below photo) The manager came over and said that the chef had probed the chicken twice and that she assured us it was cooked and followed with ‘chicken on the bone can be pink and that’s why she doesn’t eat it!’ The only offer at this point was did she want the chicken reheated! Unsurprisingly she declined this offer. We then foolishly ordered dessert (as we were still hungry from the small burger and the inability to eat all of the undercooked chicken) The sticky toffee pudding was like cutting into a brick and the taste can only be described as ‘synthetic’ - it just wasn’t edible. The manager came over again and said she’d never been told that before about the dessert (again a useless bit of information) They did remove the desserts from the bill and gave us 20% off for the inconvenience which was good of them but it was such a disappointing evening. The pub needs to decide if it’s a restaurant or a lively bar because the two just don’t seem to mix. It used to be such a nice place to eat. For the prices they charge, it needs to offer a service that reflects the charges.
Written June 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Diana Z
Hemel Hempstead4 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 family
We’ve been at this pub many times as we live in the area for over 10 years. The location is lovely and the pub has a nice design and atmosphere and staff is nice too. We haven’t been back for quite some time though, but this time may very well be our last visit as the menu is very limited (no more ribs!), food is average, nothing special at all, but prices are double than in central London! Very disappointed and not on our list anymore. Portions for adults were more like kids size and very average made (especially the burgers), and mac&cheese for £8.5 each were tiny portions. Central London has much better made burgers and bigger for at least £5 less, kids mac&cheese at least £3 overpriced as well. Very disappointed. Good bye paper mill
Written February 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Victoria N
Gateshead3185 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 family
I ate here recently for the first time, as my family and I were staying nearby at The Holiday Inn and this was the nearest option for food. Downstairs was like a nightclub, and there was a strong odour of cigarettes, therefore we opted to sit upstairs which we thought would be quieter. There were few diners there however the first table we were ushered to was right next to another family and we simply had no space therefore we requested another table. This was quieter. Approximately five minutes after we had been seated, despite being quiet upstairs, a family with three children under the age of 5 were placed directly behind us. The noise was horrendous and the family kept going in and out of the upstairs terrace, constantly opening and closing the door. The food was very expensive and my mother was gluten free, and given one option of a 'burger' on the menu. My sister ordered a side order of chips and we had to remind the waitress after waiting 45 minutes and nothing had appeared. The service was horrendous, and it was clear that the waitress could not cope. In hindsight I wish we had enquired about the food offered in The Holiday Inn or even driven outside of town. When we came to pay for the meal, the waitress was unable to do this upstairs and so sent us downstairs. It was shambolic from start to finish and extortionately expensive. I do not recommend this place at all.
Written August 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JJ W
15 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 couples
Went here for a quick meal prior to visiting the cinema. Unfortunately this meal never happened as once the order was placed and almost an hour had passed - all we had received were our drinks. After questioning this we were told it could be sometime longer! ... decided to request a refund as we would obviously now miss the film if we waited any longer and then still had to eat it! The pub itself was about 20% full and from ordering we only saw approximately 3 meals leave the kitchen. I suspect the order was misplaced although it may just be the case they are extremely slow in preparing basic pub grub. Certainly worth checking how long you will have to wait before placing your order. Other customers noticed this when I queried and decided not to order and ho elsewhere.
Written August 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Roe
London51 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022 family
Slow service. After 30 minutes in the restaurant I had to walk downstairs to order my food and drinks. The staff apologised and said someone should have been ups airs taking orders… The menu is limited and extremely overpriced. A roast dinner is now £18.95. I requested without a Yorkshire pudding but unfortunately it arrived with one and not much else. The meat and veg were nice but not enough. I like to spend Sundays with my family but £100 for a roast dinner for 4 is extortion especially in the current climate... even the staff commented on the prices. I won’t be returning but will continue to go to other local restaurants offering better value and quality.
Written November 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tracey W
Hemel Hempstead208 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022 friends
Dirty table which we had to ask to be cleaned. Waitress tried to wipe it with a dry cloth which obviously didn’t get rid of stickiness of table. Then went to get spray. Only one vegetarian option available which was a small portion of halloumi chips. Two orders of sandwiches served with wrong bread. One gluten free bap served with just a few prawns in and wilted lettuce. Wrap served without Marie Rose sauce. No serviettes, cutlery or offers of sauces or vinegar. Dessert menu consisted of only 2 options available so we declined. Refund given for prawn bap after we complained. Extremely disappointing and expensive for standard of food. Was told the reason for limited meals available is that menu is changing tomorrow. This is not a good enough excuse. If the food is not up to standard don’t sell it. Definitely wouldn’t recommend anyone to eat here.
Written April 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Andrew
3 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 friends
First visit to this place and will 100% be our last. Service was terrible, waited over 25 mins for a drink to be brought to our table. Wasn’t told on being seated which items they had sold out off. We were only told when ordering our food. Food was extremely poor, especially for the prices being charged. Never got asked if we wanted any sauces, so had to get back up and ask at the counter. Cost us over £45 for two meals (burger and chips) and two soft drinks. With an included service charge of £5. Which considering the standard of service is a joke. If you want a decent meal, with decent service avoid this place.
Written July 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sherelyn R
London23 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2021 family
We booked this restaurant for a family meet up on Boxing Day ( a table for 15) . The manager was very helpful and friendly when we booked . The menu was very reasonable priced ( we usually meet on Boxing Day but the menu at restaurants we have tried have been highly priced and the food of no better quality ). The food was lovely. The manager also arranged to provide an ‘off the menu’ meal for my autistic grandson. The staff are friendly and very cheerful. Especially the waitress who I accidentally hit in the face ( I put my hand out in conversation not realising she was behind me ) , she was lovely and laughed it off ( I hope she wasn’t to badly injured !!!). The staff were also happy for us to take our time and make it a lovely family get together time . A lovely venue and lovely staff ! Thank you ! Thank you ! We all had a lovely time and didn’t feel rushed
Written December 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

joneskevinj
Bedford9 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2021 couples
The Boat in Berkhamsted was awful - booked a table for Sunday lunch for two - the Manager knew nothing about vouchers when I phoned, so I was already somewhat dubious. In short, we booked a table for 2 on Sunday, November 21, 2021 for 2pm; no food arrived by 3pm so we left - had a apology from Manager and didn’t want paying for our two drinks. It wasn’t just us but several other tables. Avoid this venue unless you have hours to spare, don’t mind waiting without any explanation and an apology is sufficient. If you have Fullers vouchers definitely avoid. Shan’t be recommending, for sure.
Written November 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Robert N
1 contribution
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 family
Just had Sunday lunch. 4 of family had fish and chips, very good. 2 had beef Sunday roast, disappointing ; beef overcooked, dry and small portion.. Vegetables ok. Plus side Fullers ESB excellent.
Written February 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dave T
Weymouth1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2022 family
We stopped in for a meal after visiting the Harry Potter Studio Tour nearby. We ordered our food and there was slight mix up with our order where we ordered 3 main meals, and one ended up going through as a starter. As soon as the error was noticed the staff member waiting our table informed us apologised for the error and the slight wait as it was rectified and didn't charge the extra we should have paid for the meal. We were very impressed how quickly everything was sorted and the fact we didn't have to pay the extra we should have was very much appreciated and a nice surprise. The food was beautifully cooked, well presented and arrived very quickly, considering how busy a night it was. I would definitely recommend and look forward to coming again on our next visit :)
Written March 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Boris
Hemel Hempstead8 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 family
Really gone downhill. Waitress was lovely and comped the disappointing food but the disappointment is real. Halloumi fries disappointing compared to rival places and were overpriced. The eight chunky fries were over salty, the small burger was okay but not worth the price. Don't order the cheese board, it's an absolute insult. Eight of the same, cheapest crackers money can buy, 25 grapes and three sad, sorry little blocks of cheese. Ludicrous attempt at dessert at an extortionate price for what it was. All in all its gone downhill hugely, I used to be a huge fan but it's now it is not good enough. seeing other recent reviews and how quiet it is on a Friday night reassures me that this nosedive is experienced by many others.
Written August 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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THE PAPER MILL, APSLEY, Hemel Hempstead - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor

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