Rifle Volunteer, Watford

Opened-out backstreet pub; two, possibly three, buildings originally. Pretty grim decor, grey/green rancid mushy pea colours, though the curved bar looks pleasingly aged and the flagstone floor is a decent. GBG listed, three ales on over six stumps. My Tring Scrum Down was fine (NBSS 3) though served in a silly Camden pancake glass by friendly and efficient staff. Six Nations on the telly which seems to be staple viewing round these parts.

This place went a bit over the top restrictions-wise during 'half lockdown', but I suppose every pub was running a bit blind back then. It's a decent alse pub that has been cask marque accredited in the past. You will usually find one or two on, on my visit it was a new beer from the local Oxhey Brewery, so almost zero beer miles. There are a couple of TVs with sports channels showing. Dart board. A snug area seems to have had a bit of money spent recently. The pub has a nice locals/community feel to it, and I noticed that they raised over £2,000 for a local hospice at Christmas.

Very much a local pub, this Victorian backstreet house has been knocked through, modernised and carpeted, removing all traces of its original architectural charm. The effect is not pleasing, and it's made worse by the dire carpet and inappropriate floor tiles. All that aside, the welcome was genuine from staff and customers alike, while the regular cadre included famillies. There is a pool table and gaming machine, but these were not in use. There were 2 ales on, Deuchres and Courage Best, neither of which was on best form, but both of which were drinkable. It isn't the best or worst pub locally, but it is a decent pub and we should be grateful that it is still open when so many similar establishments are closing down. The lively local spirit, which includes charity fundraising, more than makes up for the lack of style in the building and I would be happy to come back to see whether the beer has improved.