The Hollybush, Welwyn Garden City

Sizeable 1950s estate pub with two separate bars set between a central servery. The larger, busier, 'L'-shaped front bar now connects with a side room housing the pool table, whereas the small rear bar just has a few tables and the dartboard. Plain but tidy throughout, and a few wooden tables can also be found in the front beer garden. No real ale, unfortunately, so just had a quick John Smith's (£1.85, half) before moving on.

Part of a small shopping arcade not far from the QEII hospital,this pub doesnt look much from the outside.However the L shaped open plan interior is neat and tidy ,carpeted throughout with a large banquette running below the bow window opposite the bar.To the right is a pool table and gaming machines,while the righthand leg has a darts board.Two flat screens offer Sky Sports,which was thankfully mute during my lunchtime visit,while there is a large drop down screen and overhead projector for any large sporting occasion.I noticed a mixing booth to one side,so maybe loud music is on offer later in the evening,but on my trip a modest rock track seemed appropriate. There was a friendly welcome from behind the bar,just a shame that only the usual keg dross was on offer with no attempt at real ale.The pub is wet lead ,and serves the local community well .The guv'nor may be missing a trick on the real ale front.