NO need to tie a yellow ribbon round the old Oak Tree they've got fairy lights in the fir trees either side the front door instead and more threaded through the dried hops decorating the bar.

Clearly getting ready for Christmas.

Of course they're ready for Christmas there is a special "X-mas menu" for December on the wall four courses for £15.95 with multi-choices, starting with home-made soup, going on to roast turkey with all the trimmings, beef Wellington or salmon, then Christmas pud with brandy, lemon meringue pie or a cheeseboard, followed by coffee and mince pies.

On an ordinary lunchtime last week plainer fare was chalked on the board, specials including home made tomato soup, minced beef and onion pie, sirloin steak or cod in batter.

Even at 1.45pm there were still enough customers to make it feel occupied.

Set just above the triangular green at Leyton Green in Harpenden, The Oak Tree is an attractive prospect with outside seating at the front and more wooden tables on a sunken patio down some steps from the car park - a welcome plus in a yellow line area.

Inside is a large bar divided into two, clean and attractive; but the biggest attraction is certainly a bank of six handpumps offering Charles Well Eagle, Adnam's Broadside and Southwold Bitter, Wadworth 6X, Old Speckled Hen and, special joy, from the Cumbrian coast Jennings' Cocker Hoop.

My half was £1.15p.

It's got one of these charity jelly bean machines. A man drinking Guinness got 20p worth and came back for more, which seemed to me a strange flavour combination.

The larger eating area is up a raised step, with jolly tile topped tables. A pine dresser divides it from the drinking area with blue velour covered stools and settles, plus dartboard and large fruit machine.

Nothing exceptional, just a good old fashioned local where folk clearly feel comfortable.

SN