The Amber Rooms, Watford

I like the concept of this place but it just needs some tweaking here and there.

I agree with an earlier poster, the staff need to be 100% customer driven - seeing bar staff chatting to their mates etc when you are waiting to be served is a golden NO-NO in anyones book.

The range of beers is better than most and the menu, although limited, seemed to be diverse enough as did the food menu.

But there's one problem that kind of troubles me... it's just a little bit too elitist for my liking.

You get the sense that if you are not quite wearing something vaguely fashionable, you will look out of place here... and that's a shame as pubs should really be for all and sundry.

That aside, a half decent half grown up bar that would probably do a little bit better if it wasnt out of the way so much, nevertheless well worth a visit.

Can't moan really... it's an atmospheric improvement from it's predecessor I can assure you.

16 Apr 2008 13:31

Holly Bush, St Albans

This is truly a well kept secret... so don't tell everyone.

The ale was on fine form and they had Fuller's ESB the last time I visited and it was truly exceptional.

I can only assume that the landlord has OCD because the place is absolutely immaculate, down to the most minute detail. Even the glasses are hand engraved.

The garden at the rear is rather large and as you would expect from the interior of the pub, kept to the same high standard.

Listen, if you ever pass this way make sure you sample the delights of this remarkable pub.

I guarantee you will never forget this place.

15 Jun 2007 16:13

The Flag, Watford

I occasionally go in here for a swifty before I travel home from work. It's a very large and dark boozer which makes the place look empty even when there's scores of punters inside. The beer is very average and in some cases costly (�3 for a pt of San Miguel?)and they haven't had any real ale for nearly a year now. Their fridges never work & the white wine is alway warm and frequently corked. Combined with zero ambiance and zero ashtrays to be found means there are dozens of cigarette butts strewn across the floor. The toilets nearly always stink and the cubicles appear to have taken a kicking several times in the past. This pub desperately needs some attention to it as it has real potential due to it's location, but until then I really wouldn't bother unless absolutely necessary.

9 Jun 2006 10:57