The Round Bush, Watford

Official site of The Round Bush - www.theroundbush.co.uk

Official site of The Round Bush - www.theroundbush.co.uk

A mainly Victorian building with 16th Century origins, now a country-style pub just outside the Watford area. There is plenty of parking and a good sized garden with a covered terrace. The ground floor has been knocked through to form a contiguous single bar and dining room with different areas, some demarcated by exposed timbers, to make it feel more intimate. There is an open fire at the apex and the décor is faux-rural. The staff were friendly if a bit over-worked, and they run regular events – quiz nights, steak nights and so on. The food was a bit formulaic, even the steaks, using cheap ingredients, cooked to an acceptable standard, not gourmet but reasonably priced. The Baileys ice cream was especially good. Four ales on draft: Bombardier and Eagle from Wells, Tribute and Directors. The beer was in very good condition, well kept and enjoyable. Worth a visit if in the area and I'd be happy to come back for food and especially the ale.

A pub that you'd need to either drive to or live nearby, mainly the former judging by the full car park. Bus no. 602 does however pass along the top of Round Bush Lane. This is a fairly typical country pub with very low ceilings, even to the extent that part of it above the dartboard has been cut away to allow for the trajectory of the darts. There were five hand pumps I think with Black Sheep and Tribute and it looks like they usually have one or two guests. Also had Addlestones Cider on draught. It's quite a food orientated pub but not overly so. Child friendly, pleasant outside seating areas, one small unobtrusive TV.