Inside an unassuming Watford pub, a new kitchen team is serving sweet and spicy Thai food, but is it worth the trip?

The Dome Bar in St Albans Road reopened on April 12 post-refurb with a new food menu for the first time since its kitchen closed 18 months ago.

Thai-national Nichapa Thosuanjit, also known as Apple, is behind the food offering, having run her own business, Real Thai Cooking, which offers at-home Thai cookery-courses for the last 12 years.

Watford Observer: Apple, the owner of Real Thai Cooking company, at the Dome Bar in St Albans Road, Apple, the owner of Real Thai Cooking company, at the Dome Bar in St Albans Road, (Image: Newsquest)

While visiting on a weekday lunch-time, the pub was already half-full around 20 minutes after opening, so I ordered at the till and took a seat.

I opted for the new two-course lunch menu, which comes with a starter and main for £11.99, with a range of options from the classic Pad Thai to Gai Tod, or Thai fried chicken.

Watford Observer: The Dome Bar is on St Albans Road in north Watford.The Dome Bar is on St Albans Road in north Watford. (Image: Newsquest)

While I am partial to Pad Thai, I decide to go for the salt and chilli squid to start, which came topped with a chilli seasoning, spring onions and fried garlic.

Watford Observer: Salted and chilli squid is one of several starters on the pub's lunch menu for £11.99.Salted and chilli squid is one of several starters on the pub's lunch menu for £11.99. (Image: Newsquest)The deep-fried squid was crispy and tender, while the spicy mayonnaise served alongside had a great balance of spice and acidity.

Not long had I finished my starter when the staff brought over the Moo Krob Pad Krapao, stir-fried pork belly and vegetables, with steamed rice and a dark-brown dressing made from oyster sauce, fish sauce and dark soy sauce.

Tasting the sauce, it was at first sweet, and then salty, but came with a sharp kick of spice at the end.

Watford Observer: Krob Pad Krapao is a Thai stir fry with pork belly and holy basil.Krob Pad Krapao is a Thai stir fry with pork belly and holy basil. (Image: Newsquest)

It was surprising and unlike anything I have tasted before, but it went perfectly with the stir-fried green beans, chillies and Thai holy basil, which had a peppery flavour.

Watford Observer: The pub closed for six days in April for the bar to be refurbished.The pub closed for six days in April for the bar to be refurbished. (Image: Newsquest)

The pork belly is marinated in vinegar before it is steamed and then fried, ending up with tender bits of meat which did not have too much fat.

Watford Observer: The fried pork belly was tender and flavourful.The fried pork belly was tender and flavourful. (Image: Newsquest)

The Dome Bar staff were very friendly and even gave me some Thai prawn crackers for free, which I was unfortunately unable to finish as the rest of the meal had proved so filling.

Watford Observer: Inside the refurbished Dome Bar in St Albans Road.Inside the refurbished Dome Bar in St Albans Road. (Image: Apple Nichapa)

If you find yourself on St Albans Road looking for a bite or several to eat, you can’t go wrong with the Real Thai Kitchen at The Dome Bar.