With the artwork on the walls and the neatly laid out tables, you could be forgiven for thinking this couple were being shown the menu in a restaurant, but these pictures were taken in a pub a short walk from a canal.

A Watford Observer photographer visited the Batchworth Arms in September 1974 to take snaps of the interior and exterior of the Rickmansworth pub.

Located at 58 Church Street close to Batchworth Lock on the Grand Union Canal, the photos clearly show the then Courage brewery establishment was proud of its food offering.

Staff behind the bar at the Rickmansworth pubStaff behind the bar at the Rickmansworth pub (Image: Watford Observer)

The Lost Pubs Project website states the pub opened in 1866 and closed in 1994 and was originally called The Railway Arms.

Choosing what to have to eatChoosing what to have to eat (Image: Watford Observer)

It was built from three cottages that were knocked into one shortly after the Rickmansworth (Church Street) station opened opposite.

The Batchworth Arms was located at 58 Church StreetThe Batchworth Arms was located at 58 Church Street (Image: Watford Observer)

When this was closed and the site was eventually redeveloped for housing, breaking the link between the pub and the railway, it was renamed after the local area.

Anyone for champagne?Anyone for champagne? (Image: Watford Observer)

Following its closure, the pub was demolished in 1999 and offices and a car park now stand on the site.

The Batchworth roundabout can be seen in the backgroundThe Batchworth roundabout can be seen in the background (Image: Watford Observer)

The location of the Batchworth ArmsThe location of the Batchworth Arms (Image: Google Street View)