Essex Arms, Cassiobury, Watford

An Ember Inn in the middle of the interesting Cassiobury Estate,there has been a modern refurb inside,although it does still retain some pub ethos and is not dominated by the food offering.The inside is split into different sections with two side lounges and a descrete area by a bay window.Around the bar there are several high tables,elsewhere more dining style tables and three brick fireplaces,one real the other two fake.Slightly annoying muzak. The bar is L shaped,and the rather taciturn manager offers 4 real ales which on my trip meant Fullers London Pride,Adnams Broadside,Black Sheep Twilighter IPA and Timothy Taylor Landlord (£4.40 ,NBSS 3.5 and saved the visit) The food looked very Brakes Brothers,but there is a local curry house over the road.It's not far from the Grand Union Canal at Iron Bridge Lock in the Park .I may just return if in the area again,although we may have got lucky with the Landlord.

This is an Ember Inns pub about 30 minutes walk from the main part of Watford, on the Cassiobury Estate and not far from the park. They have Cask Marque accreditation and offer a CAMRA discount. There were four cask ales on for my visit yesterday, largely mainstream beers. There's a big focus on food and service can be slow when busy.

The Essex Arms official pages, including menu and beer details - www.emberinns.co.uk

The Essex Arms official pages, including menu and beer details - www.emberinns.co.uk