The Market Tavern, Watford

Long thin bar of a place. Serving counter on left as you enter with a couple of round tables with high stools opposite and a couple of flat screens above the door with the horse racing on. Then beyond the bar up a couple of steps is a wider elevated section which houses four larger screens ( thankfully all off go my visit) a pool table, a dart board and an eclectic mix of different wooden tables and chairs. Surprisingly a couple of hand pumps on the bar with one in operation and one reverse clipped. The landlord explained that they only get enough pull through for one ale but keep the second pump reverse clipped for what will go on next. For my visit Green Kings seasonal ale Bonkers Conkers was on and Moongazing from the Tring brewery was coming next. Quite a few regulars in on this late Monday lunchtime who all seemed to know the guvnor. The ceiling beam separating the two areas still had a “Happy St Patrick’ s Day “ banner and although this is nothing like an Irish bar, in a town that appears to be void of one, this is probably the closest you will get.

Mangans changed its name to The Market Tavern towards the end of 2021. Apart from that, little else has changed. Only occasional real ale. The interior is unchanged, as are the gaming machines and the pool table. Primarily an elderly clientele, with horse racing dominating to TV during the daytime.

Called in today and was pleasantly surprised to see two handpumps. Only one on but the pump clips behind the bar indicate that they have regular ales. Looking around no one was drinking ale but the Old Speckled Hen that I had was good. Still has a nice locals feel to the place. A decent bar.

Has a bit of a working mens club feel about it but it's quite a nice looking bar. Uninspiring choice of keg beers.