Was in here before the Watford - Posh match yesterday.

I echo all the above comments. Good range of ales, very welcoming and surprisingly, not too busy.

Maybe not too many people are aware that this pub exists, which is very much a good thing.

I shall certainly return if I am ever in Watford again.Was in here before the Watford - Posh match yesterday.

I echo all the above comments. Good range of ales, very welcoming and surprisingly, not too busy.

Maybe not too many people are aware that this pub exists, which is very much a good thing.

I shall certainly return if I am ever in Watford again.Very nice little local boozer. Geat range of ales including a very quaffable porter. Very friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Will certainly visit again when I am next in Watford.

I like the three horseshoes, but I don't know why.

I usually go there with my girlfriend when we are both 'working from home' and we fancy a spot of lunch. The menu is standard non-gastro-pub fare (Scampi, burgers, lasagne, sandwiches etc etc) and it is almost always not cooked very well but not so bad that you complain about it, if you see what you mean. It's reasonably priced but I'm not sure it's good value if you see what I mean. I tend to come away feeling a bit disappointed.

Having said that I always find the welcoming polite rather than effusive, it's never totally empty and it has a really nice 'proper pub' feel about it, right down to the uncomfortable bench seats.

So there you go. Definitely more than the sum of it's parts. I'll go back but perhaps pick up a sandwich on the way backMillay is quite right about the maniac drivers: I've walked here several times to/from the Roundbush, and it's always a nerve-wracking experience. The pub itself is a charming building in a wonderful setting. There's a good food menu and 2 real ales (currently Adnams Bitter and Spitfire). Best to visit with friends, since like most "villagey" pubs it's rather cliquey and not especially welcoming. But it ticks most of the boxes that determine a good pub.I�d not recommend walking here from the Three Compasses or the Roundbush, there are some nice country lanes but they are very narrow and drivers seem quite intolerant of pedestrians. The pub itself is in a nice setting and the interior, not unsurprisingly, has a horseshoe theme to the d�cor. The main bar has tables laid out for diners and at the back is a drinkers bar. An inquisitive boxer dog roams throughout.

I love the Round Bush! Great staff, great food...you cannot beat the Blue Cheese & Bacon burger! Prices are slighlty stiffer than others in the area, but it keeps the trash out. 11/10 I've eaten here a couple of times (hot food) and was quite satisfied with both the quality and speed of service. This is a genuinely pleasant pub, and the choice of 4 real ales is better than you will find in many pubs around this part of Hertfordshire.A pub that you�d need to either drive to or live nearby, mainly the former judging by the full car park. Bus no. 602 does however pass along the top of Round Bush Lane. This is a fairly typical country pub with very low ceilings, even to the extent that part of it above the dartboard has been cut away to allow for the trajectory of the darts. There were five hand pumps I think with Black Sheep and Tribute and it looks like they usually have one or two guests. Also had Addlestones Cider on draught. It�s quite a food orientated pub but not overly so. Child friendly, pleasant outside seating areas, one small unobtrusive TV.

Probably the worst pub in Watford in my opinion. This pub seems to attract all of the towns wrong 'uns. Also i didnt think that behind the bar was an appropriate place for the barmaid to keep her baby...strange set up in a strange pub. This is only my humble opinion.It can be a bit loud in there, a real locals pub. But still very friendly.Can�t help thinking this place is missing a trick. The only traditional looking boozer on the high street with a great corner location dead handy for the Harlequin centre, and with the Church and grounds behind as a backdrop. But unfortunately nothing worth drinking with regards to ale. Shame, otherwise could be a nice pub.

Had Sunday lunch on Mothers day and after table sorted out(which was done very quickly) had a delicious lunch and fine wine. Definitely a cut above the usual Sunday lunch served around around the area and service better than the Grove.I went here last Friday lunchtime for the first time with my business partner and the food was excellent (the steak was the best I have had in the UK) and the wine was great. It is not cheap but then cheap is not to be expected from such an establishment with such a high quality fit-out. For 2 of us we spent �123.00, which included a few Peronis, wine and lunch for 2. The service was very good and the Antipodean girl who dispensed our wine, looked after us and had a chat and a laugh was excellent!

The Post box in the loos was a nice touch!

We will be returning this Friday lunchtime with important Clients and we are looking forward to another good experience!

I have to say that I had a wonderful experience at the Clarendon. The atmosphere was great and I would hate to think how much they have spent on the decor and set-up but I really think it works.

Barry the Chef even came to our table to say hello and recommended I change my starter to the pork which was one of the best dishes I have ever had.
So in summary it was not cheap but rare that you get this quality in a more rural location.
I could eat there every week and have recommended this to a number of people who I hope will enjoy the experience as much as I did.

MY PARTNER AND I VISITED AT THE WEEKEND EXPECTING A GAY RUN PUB TO BE LIVELY AND AT LEAST HAVE A MAJORITY OF GAY CLIENTS. WE WERE VERY DISAPPOINTED, SINCE MOST WERE FAMILIES WITH SEVERAL CHILDREN.WE COULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS PUB FOR GAY PEOPLE TO HAVE AN EVENING OUT WITH LIKE MINDED PEOPLE.A WASTED OPPORTUNITY FOR THE GAY COMMUNITY IN THIS PART OF NORTH LONDON.SORRY LADS BUT YOUR TARGET CLIENTELLE NEEDS TO BE BETTER CATERED FOR.Excellent Pub...good food friendly atmosphere and staff...highly reccommend the quiz on monday eveningsHave started going to The Load of Hay in Watford now on a regular basis. The food is very good, good sized portions, freshly cooked and priced very reasonably.
The Bar staff are polite and friendly and always willing to go that extra mile.

Although the Load of Hay is known as a gay pub, its changed alot since the closure last year of the Royal Oak. Its now a true locals village pub. Mainly straight customers during the day, then in the evening a mix of gay and straight. All mixing very well together.

The pub is now open all day from 11am - 11.30PM.

This review sounds like an advert, but its so rare these days to find a well managed or owned public house. Keep up the good work guys.

Simon