It may not really be the weather for it today but we are again able to visit a pub to have a drink outdoors after the latest easing of lockdown restrictions.
The prospect of being able to go out and enjoy a drink and a socially distanced conversation may be another step towards getting back to a semblance of normality, but it also serves as another reminder of the pubs that are no longer with us.
We asked members of our nostalgia Facebook group ‘We grew up in Watford’ which former pub in the area they would have visited first this week and why.
The Hertfordshire Arms is now a McDonald's. Picture: closedpubs.co.uk
Described as “the one and only pub in North Watford” by Peter Bateman, the Hertfordshire Arms was also popular with Paul Davis, Mally Daniels and Sally Sutton.
The Beaver. Picture: closedpubs.co.uk
Carolyn Varley, Vivienne O’Brien and Robert Sims were among those who chose The Beaver, while Linda Geddes said: “The Otter in Bushey Mill Lane when it was run by Pat and Mick Little. It was a really friendly pub and centre of the community. It's just a load of flats now.”
The Otter. Picture: closedpubs.co.uk
Bob Hibbert said: “The Harbour Light in Harcourt Road, Bushey. Run by Ricky when I used it in the 70s and like the Otter, flats there now.”
Harbour Lights. Picture: Bob Hibbert
The Clarendon Arms in Chandlers Cross. Picture: closedpubs.co.uk
Another suggestion that attracted several ‘likes’ from group members was The Clarendon Arms, Chandlers Cross, as did The Coachmakers Arms chosen by Mick Skinner and Pat Fisher.
Mike Burgess said: “The Malden Hotel, particularly when Norman & Pat Foulser were the licensees. Great times in there, long long ago.”
The Old Fox, in Bricket Wood, holds “lots of happy memories” for Debs Clark and Michael Bennett recalled: “Sitting on a bench under the conker trees outside The Cricketers in Watford Fields with my grandad.”
The Hare. Picture: Sean Chapman
Sean Chapman opted for The Hare with “Betty behind the bar”, while Dave Rance chose The Dog in Hempstead Road.
The Dog. Picture: Dave Rance
Simon Tillett said: “The Stag in Merry Hill Road used to have a lovely front garden up until around 1989 then houses were built on the lawns. The pub went a few years later, I think.”
'We grew up in Watford' has almost 10,000 members sharing their pictures and memories of the town. You can ask to join them via this link.
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