Pavillion, Watford

A large pavilion-like structure in a commanding position adjacent to the local playing fields, looking quite grand in its semi-rural setting. It is approached either on foot across the playing fields or up a cul-de-sac leading to its large car park. The interior is immediately disappointing – a single large, rectangular bar is carpeted and furnished with functional tables at which bored parents force-fed their equally bored children. The staff don't really know what they're doing – trying to communicate the concept of 'real ale' to someone who knows nothing about beer and doesn't have any European language as a mother-tongue was problematic; all academic anyway as there was nothing even closely resembling ale available and the wine list was poor. This Pavilion will remain a far one as far as I am concerned.

Previously the Brookdene Arms and now called Pavilion.