please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
The Estcourt Arms stands on a busy road junction and is just opposite the Wellington. I only had time to try the Estcourt. It is a two room locals pub, that was popular with Watford fans, pre-match. The main bar was fairly packed. So I retreated to the snug, which I had for myself until later being joined by a couple of others. With just 3 tables, it is tiny. A few were eating typical pub grub in the bar. London Pride & Side Pocket For A Toad were the two real ales. I opted for the Lilleys Apples & Pears keg option, which I have rarely seen. Service was quick. The snug also had a selection of board games for use. A pub that is not spectacular. But it is worth knowing about.
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Taken over in April 2014 by experienced publican and run by his daughter.
It has had a makeover inside which has sympathetically freshened the pub up considerably. The distracting large screen TVs have been turned off.
The beer - which used to occasionally be undrinkable - is now well worth trying. London Pride, Tring and Three Brewers are the ales. Lagers look pretty mainstream. A variety of bottled beers available from the fridge with an emphasis on American brews.
The kitchen has just re-opened after a major refit but I haven't tried the food yet. It used to be great value and tasty and the cook has been retained which bodes well.
All in all a pub that is now well worth stopping off at.
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Popped in while waiting for the last bus home. London Pride was excellent (and better than the beer served up in The King Harry, St Albans earlier on in the evening). Seemed quiet for a Saturday evening but I guess as it was hot many people had stayed in for a Barbie. Nice character pub and glad to see at least one corner of Watford unspoilt by the ingress of pub chains and trendy plastic bars.
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Ignore the BITE maps [unless you find yourself in Soissons]
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Quite close to Watford Junction a nice street corner local though the beer can be a bit variable. The Black Sheep was drinkable on this occasion.
anonymous - 26 Oct 2010 13:22 |
Not a bad little pub but the beer was awful!
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Very much a traditional pub. As another reviewer said, nothing fancy. Food seems to go down well. I've always found the real ale to be in good condition and staff welcoming.
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The highlight of watching Plymouth Argyle lose at Watford was pre-match and post-match drinks in this pub. Tribute and Black Sheep still on, both seemed fine to me. Telly in the corner to watch the football and a few seats out front to enjoy the sun. Shame we will be unlikely to be back next season to visit.
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Only two beers on Tribute from St Austell and black sheep neither of which were very good. Made very welcome on visiting but no food available.
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'orrible, better off goin' into the wellie opposite
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For my money, without doubt the best pub in Watford. Good beer and food, welcoming service, no trouble. Excellent.
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Could be the best pub in Watford. It's nothing fancy, just a well-run 2-bar place with a good food menu, 4 beers and welcoming barstaff. (I had 2 pints of Adnams bitter plus some lunch, and walked out feeling great.)
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Nice family run pub with no pretensions beyond serving good beer and providing decent service. Long may it thrive..
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Wow! A proper pint of cask Tetleys, hand pulled with a sparkler to give a nice tight, creamy head. For a Northener, that's a real treat down south!
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What a superb pub. Just like local pubs ought to be. Keep this one a secret.
No trouble, good beers, cheap and friendly. The landlord and landlady have got this one spot on.
anonymous - 7 Oct 2006 22:55 |
Full marks to Pat Lynch and co. This is one of the finest little boozers in town and a real pleasure to visit. Great selection of Real Ales and a sense of a real pub style atmosphere too. If you haven't been here before, you must try it to see what I mean. It's one of Watford's best kept secrets in my opinion.
anonymous - 9 Jun 2006 11:01 |
An excellent pub for the area. Great beer and a friendly welcome.
dodgy - 18 Apr 2006 10:57 |
Great atmosphere, best pint of guiness in the area - friendly bar staff
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fittest barman in watford
anonymous - 4 Apr 2005 16:36 |
A very friendly pub, welcoming and cosy. Excellent on a Sunday, with a live band.
anonymous - 4 Apr 2005 16:33 |
A friendly, well run pub with the ales and Guinness kept in peak form. An ideal venue for a rail traveler.
Kevin - 2 Apr 2004 11:37 |
Located near Watford Junction Station and not to be confused with the Estcourt Tavern which is nearer the town centre. A small, friendly locals pub with two bars and well kept beers (Adnams, London Pride and Hook Norton, although the latter may be a guest). Signage has the pub sub-titled as Lynch�s reflecting the current owners. A new entrant in CAMRA�s 2004 Good Beer Guide.
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