The Plough, Belsize
The Plough, Belsize
Watford may not immediately bring to mind idyllic countryside but the villages around the town offer walkers the opportunity to slake their thirst in country pubs that may not seem typical of the area. The villages of Sarratt, Belsize and Commonwood can be found just outside the M25. They were once working communities but, in the fashion of other villages around London, are now mostly occupied by commuters. The decline in the working population and demand for residential property has led to many pub closures over the years but good locals still exist.
Getting to the villages by public transport requires some organisation. Arriva provide the number 352 bus that travels between Watford and Hemel Hempstead via Sarratt and Belsize every two hours during the day (except Sundays). We took this bus and started in Belsize where the first pub we visited was the Plough, which can be found right on the green of Hertfordshire's Best Kept Village (according to the sign). The Plough is a small(ish) and cosy boozer, basic inside with long benches for drinkers and eaters. There is a very pleasant garden that is popular with families, and everyone else on sunny days. When we visited we were surprised to see Caledonian Deuchar's IPA on hand pump, which may have been a guest ale. It was in fine condition, as was the Stilton ploughman's lunch, which complemented the beer perfectly.
The Cart & Horses, Commonwood
After our lunch we crossed the green and made our way along the bridle path over Penman's Green before arriving at the Cart & Horses in Commonwood. Commonwood is off the beaten track, which makes the Cart & Horses probably one of the most remote pubs in our area. When we arrived the pub's tables were laid for dinner, suggesting that the establishment is more geared towards eating rather than drinking. If you fancy a bite to eat it would probably be wise to book ahead, though, as the pub is even smaller than the Plough. Despite the fact that some tables were free, it was a nice day and we decided to occupy the extensive, well-maintained and attractive garden. The pub's beer range comes from the Greene King stable, although Brain's SA was available on the day. The quality was fine but probably not worth the trip for the beer alone.
The Boot, Sarratt
Walking up Red Lion Lane (named for a long gone pub) we arrived in Sarratt and turned left at the Green and popped into the Boot. This pub is now the only one in the centre of Sarratt. It had been moving in a foodie direction but came under new ownership. When we visited the pub there were a few locals propping up the bar but perhaps because it was later in the afternoon, there were no diners. We enjoyed a friendly game of darts and drank the Greene King beers on offer before heading up Church Lane to, apparently, the site of old Sarratt.
The Cock, Sarratt
The Cock, on School Lane, is unusual in being a Hall & Woodhouse (Badger) pub well out of that brewery's heartland of Dorset and nowhere near the metropolis of London. The Cock has been popular with diners and walkers for some time: It's very near the Chess Valley Walk. Having said that, it has struggled at times but has recently been taken on by John and Maggie Moir, ex-licensees of the Land of Liberty in Heronsgate, and we hope they are successful in running this tucked-away but potentially very successful pub. The full (or near full) range of Badger beers are available and we sampled a decent pint of Badger Best before heading back to Watford.
Andrew Vaughan.
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This page is maintained by Andrew Vaughan. Last update: 29th March 2006.