THE lush village green with benches around the edge for weary cyclists or walkers could be from a scene in any village outside any country pub.

But, instead of farmers in dungarees, this hostelry, tucked away between South Oxhey and Watford, is more likely to attract office workers dressed in pin-striped suits, escaping the bustle of the town centre.

At the top of Deacons Hill the expanse of grass of Watford Heath is welcome relief from the claustrophobic experience of squeezing through the Oxhey Road railway bridge.

The outside is adorned with purple, red and white flowers in hanging baskets, while inside, the low ceiling of the one bar, and horse brasses complete the country feel.

In one corner, a family sat drinking wine from a decanter, and at the other end businessmen chatted lazily a million miles away from the office phones.

The pub is one of those in which you don't feel embarrassed to ask for a cup of coffee.

The machine is in a prime spot at the side of the bar so no need for the put upon bar staff to shuffle off to the kitchen to make it like a whinging adolescent asked to clean their room.

The only disappointment is, surprisingly for a pub located in such rural surrounds, there is no garden, but as the bartender pointed out, you could sit on the pub benches outside, or take your pint and sit on the green.

Although, the last option makes you wonder why you did not just go to the off-licence in the first place, buy a couple of cans of lager, and save yourself a few quid.

AH

June 26, 2002 12:30