BEING a miserable Scot, the Happy Hour seemed like just the ticket for a swift jar after a day's slog.

Hiding my car stereo and double checking the doors were locked, the first thing that hits you about the place is the size. There's loads of space and lots of tables although the decor looks like something my Granny would have chosen for her front room a kind of vomit orange shade envelops you as soon as you walk in.

One cold beer later and all that's forgotten and I know this is my kind of place when I hear a conversation about the merits of the studs-up challenge and it's place in football being discussed beats some central Watford bars where you're more likely to be dragged into a debate about the latest line of Armani fashion for men.

Food's good too and at £3 for burger and chips and less than £4 for a steak it's ideal for filling up before a heavy night on the sauce and everything's served up on hot grills to keep it warm.

While, for families, there is a separate non-smoking room for eating in which leads out to a largish beer garden.

A pool table and widescreen TV completes the basic pub necessities. What more do you want?

Although it's got a bit of a reputation the place is allegedly a favoured haunt of Vinny Jones the only sign of trouble I came across was when I nearly tripped over an old ladies walking stick. I think I could have taken her if things had kicked off though.

MD

July 5, 2002 10:00