West Herts Sports and Social Club, Watford

This sports club bar has been an oasis of real beer for getting on for 40 years. It carried the torch for real ale long before it had any kind of presence in pubs.

In November each year it hosts the Watford CAMRA branch beer festival.

It is a members bar, guests can be signed in.

I haven't drunk here for quite a few years but it needs to be tried and tested before you go on the bad experience of others.

6 Nov 2014 18:08

The Estcourt Tavern, Watford

No this pub has never been closed.

6 Nov 2014 17:57

The Nascot Arms, Watford

This (my local) pub recently redecorated and restaurant area expanded. Serves Thai food (except Monday). The food gets rave reviews, but to me is just big portions. I go there to drink.

Beer is Greene King (and its' various other labels), always on: IPA, Abbot, Morland. Three other guest beers usually contain one interesting brew.

Friendly staff and Craig the landlord is an affable Kiwi.

Busy when football is on, good mix of locals and incomers. No children in bar after 8pm.

6 Nov 2014 17:56

The Champions Bar, Watford

Now known as the Prince George. Used to have a pretty dodgy rep' and no real beer.

Now they seem to be making an effort, with a varied menu of ales, kept a bit too cold in my opinion.

Friendly staff, pool table, rooms are named after previous incarnations of this building.

6 Nov 2014 17:50

Southern Cross, Watford

Now a "Flaming Grill" pub. I wouldn't recommend the food, but it gets very busy so some folks like it.

Beer-wise they have a decent selection of real ales, quite often featuring a local brewer such as Tring.

For the most part well kept.

There's not much choice in Watford so we can't be too choosy.

6 Nov 2014 17:47

The Bedford Arms, Watford

This pub is indeed long gone, now converted into apartments.

6 Nov 2014 17:45