Royal Oak, Watford

With the feel of a village pub, but located in a large town, this Victorian house overlooks the 'village' pond and Watford Heath and has a rural air about it. The single large bar is mostly floorboarded with a few tiles and rugs dotted about. There are a few bar stools, but most of the seating is at tables for diners. This is slighty strange given that they close the kitchen a bit too early to suit many people. We did manage to get some food at the last minute; it was overpriced and pretentious, and it was served on what looked like a cheeseboard instead of a plate, while the chips came in an annoying galvanised tin. Staff were helpful, and the locals tolerant of newcomers. Two ales on – I had Landlord which was a pretty good pint. A good pub overall, though, and worth dropping in for a beer or two.