The Artisan, Tring

The Cow Roast Inn is a charming 16th Century coaching inn very close to the Grand Union canal and on the main A4251 road. For many years it's been part pub and part Thai restaurant and in addition to the extensive Thai menu there's also a shorter, more basic pub snack menu. The interior has some delightful traditional features such as an original inglenook fireplace and stone flagged floor in the bar area beyond which is a pool table and, somewhat incongruously, large tv screen showing daytime telly on our visit. The Thai restaurant area is distinct from the bar and has modern tables and chairs all laid out for dining. Unfortunately, the bar area is all very tired and could really do with a bit of tlc to spruce it up and make the best of its delightful features. The only ale available was GK IPA which I couldn't face so had a perfectly acceptable Guiness. There was also a handpump with a half turned Tring Sidepocket clip which was promised in 20 minutes but sadly didn't appear before we left. This is a lovely building with a well established restaurant which just needs a little care taken on its bar area and beers to be an outstanding pub.