The owners of a popular Watford music venue have raised their glasses in celebration after it was named the best pub in town.
The Horns, in Hempstead Road, beat the challenge of more than 20 pubs, clubs and bars to secure Watford Borough Council's Best Bar None award.
Competitors were judged not just for their entertainment value or quality of service, but also for the way they serve the community.
Judges examined establishments' records on deterring underage drinking and also consulted neighbours about noise levels and the behaviour of patrons.
Landlord Denis Cook, who runs the pub with his business partner Pam Cook, says the award reflects the hard work and determination of his team.
The 62-year-old publican, who is the uncle of world-famous DJ Norman Cook, has helped turn the bar into one of Greater London's premier live music venues since taking over in July 2001.
He said: "I really think we deserved this award. We work hard to give people of all ages top quality live entertainment and this award is fantastic for us.
"We've also done a lot to keep on good terms with our neighbours and also prevent underage drinking so I'm pleased that has also been recognised.
"Obviously I do this to make a living but I also do it because I love it.
"There's nothing more satisfying than someone coming up to me at the end of a night and telling me how much they enjoyed it. That means everything to us."
Which do you think is south west Hertfordshire's best pub? Click the link below to share your views.
7:19pm Tuesday 18th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: The Plinth of Darkneth, Watford on 7:51pm Tue 18 Mar 08
It's just a shame that Denis has to be so obnoxious most of the time.
If you like waiting forever for a drink and paying over the odds for the privelege, only to have the pleasure of sharing the same personal space that a battery chicken enjoys, well then this is the place for you.
I still feel that one of the true fundamentals of a good pub is the cleanliness of it's toilets and I believe that there is a lack in that particular department when considering The Horns.
Moan aside, when there is no live music the pub is one of the better examples that the town has to offer, especially with great characters such as Spike on the scene it can be a real pleasure - but please sort out the loos... that would be a positive step in the right direction.
It's just a shame that Denis has to be so obnoxious most of the time.
If you like waiting forever for a drink and paying over the odds for the privelege, only to have the pleasure of sharing the same personal space that a battery chicken enjoys, well then this is the place for you.
I still feel that one of the true fundamentals of a good pub is the cleanliness of it's toilets and I believe that there is a lack in that particular department when considering The Horns.
Moan aside, when there is no live music the pub is one of the better examples that the town has to offer, especially with great characters such as Spike on the scene it can be a real pleasure - but please sort out the loos... that would be a positive step in the right direction.
Posted by: VoR, Watford on 9:10pm Tue 18 Mar 08
Well said, not pulling any punches there pod!
Well said, not pulling any punches there pod!
Posted by: The Plinth of Darkneth, Watford on 10:15pm Tue 18 Mar 08
[quote][bold]VoR[/bold] wrote:
Well said, not pulling any punches there pod![/quote] Well, you know me, VoR =)
VoR wrote:
Well said, not pulling any punches there pod!
Well, you know me, VoR =)
Posted by: VoR, Watford on 10:30pm Tue 18 Mar 08
Yes pod, strangely I think I do??
Also the Women you get there aren't the best....Big black and hairy and i be afraid of them!!
Yes pod, strangely I think I do??
Also the Women you get there aren't the best....Big black and hairy and i be afraid of them!!
Posted by: The Plinth of Darkneth, Watford on 11:20pm Tue 18 Mar 08
Hmm, yes you have a point - I have noticed a predominant presence of what I like to call "Tokyo Opticians"...
Yes, they've seen more Jap's eyes than the above mentioned opthalmists perhaps?.
Hmm, yes you have a point - I have noticed a predominant presence of what I like to call "Tokyo Opticians"...
Yes, they've seen more Jap's eyes than the above mentioned opthalmists perhaps?.
Posted by: Ju-Ju, watford on 9:36am Wed 19 Mar 08
To POD - & VOR -
Well, if you don't like the prices or the atmosphere (which is why i assume over 200 people go to the pub on Friday's) or the bands - WHY BOTHER GOING ??? I'm sure you won't be missed amongst the many that do!!!
Maybe Denis appears obnoxious to you as per your comments - you're probably just as obnoxious to him !! Going by the comments .... well ...
The Horns is a great venue to avoid the 'Thug' attitude experienced by most of the rest of the high street bars, pubs & clubs. Most of the customers seem to be out for a good time and go back time after time - so it can't be as bad as you make out - maybe if certain customers didn't go it would be even better ???
As for your comments regarding the ladies - well - sorry not everyone is to your 'oil painting' standards - but you've obviously used the same opticians as i can't say the chaps are all that either - but hey - we must've missed YOU TWO on our nights out as you must be drop dead gorgeous to make comments like that or you're using your own glasses in the mirror in the gents !!
Roll on Friday !!!
To POD - & VOR -
Well, if you don't like the prices or the atmosphere (which is why i assume over 200 people go to the pub on Friday's) or the bands - WHY BOTHER GOING ??? I'm sure you won't be missed amongst the many that do!!!
Maybe Denis appears obnoxious to you as per your comments - you're probably just as obnoxious to him !! Going by the comments .... well ...
The Horns is a great venue to avoid the 'Thug' attitude experienced by most of the rest of the high street bars, pubs & clubs. Most of the customers seem to be out for a good time and go back time after time - so it can't be as bad as you make out - maybe if certain customers didn't go it would be even better ???
As for your comments regarding the ladies - well - sorry not everyone is to your 'oil painting' standards - but you've obviously used the same opticians as i can't say the chaps are all that either - but hey - we must've missed YOU TWO on our nights out as you must be drop dead gorgeous to make comments like that or you're using your own glasses in the mirror in the gents !!
Roll on Friday !!!
Posted by: meridanny, watford on 9:56am Wed 19 Mar 08
[quote][bold]The Plinth of Darkneth[/bold] wrote:
It's just a shame that Denis has to be so obnoxious most of the time.
If you like waiting forever for a drink and paying over the odds for the privelege, only to have the pleasure of sharing the same personal space that a battery chicken enjoys, well then this is the place for you.
I still feel that one of the true fundamentals of a good pub is the cleanliness of it's toilets and I believe that there is a lack in that particular department when considering The Horns.
Moan aside, when there is no live music the pub is one of the better examples that the town has to offer, especially with great characters such as Spike on the scene it can be a real pleasure - but please sort out the loos... that would be a positive step in the right direction.[/quote] I can only assume youve never been to Glastonbury then......
The Plinth of Darkneth wrote:
It's just a shame that Denis has to be so obnoxious most of the time.
If you like waiting forever for a drink and paying over the odds for the privelege, only to have the pleasure of sharing the same personal space that a battery chicken enjoys, well then this is the place for you.
I still feel that one of the true fundamentals of a good pub is the cleanliness of it's toilets and I believe that there is a lack in that particular department when considering The Horns.
Moan aside, when there is no live music the pub is one of the better examples that the town has to offer, especially with great characters such as Spike on the scene it can be a real pleasure - but please sort out the loos... that would be a positive step in the right direction.
I can only assume youve never been to Glastonbury then......
Posted by: JBB, Watford on 10:17am Wed 19 Mar 08
Its an ok place, wouldnt say its anything special, but nice to go to if you want live music (The Flag is ok for that as well) or somewhere where its not full of kids. Prices are a bit higher than the Wetherspoons, but anywhere is higher then there!!!!!! One thing I do agree with POD is the toielts, once you open that door that leads to the mens & ladies it STINKS!!!!!! Not nice if you are sat at the table next to the door!!
Its an ok place, wouldnt say its anything special, but nice to go to if you want live music (The Flag is ok for that as well) or somewhere where its not full of kids. Prices are a bit higher than the Wetherspoons, but anywhere is higher then there!!!!!! One thing I do agree with POD is the toielts, once you open that door that leads to the mens & ladies it STINKS!!!!!! Not nice if you are sat at the table next to the door!!
Posted by: Lawsy, watford on 10:38am Wed 19 Mar 08
Have been to the Horns on many a saturday night, always good for a laugh, but you do not get the warm and friendly welcome that is given to you by Kenny at the Beaver on courtlands drive.
Have been to the Horns on many a saturday night, always good for a laugh, but you do not get the warm and friendly welcome that is given to you by Kenny at the Beaver on courtlands drive.
Posted by: The Plinth of Darkneth, Watford on 10:42am Wed 19 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Ju-Ju[/bold] wrote:
To POD - & VOR - Well, if you don't like the prices or the atmosphere (which is why i assume over 200 people go to the pub on Friday's) or the bands - WHY BOTHER GOING ??? I'm sure you won't be missed amongst the many that do!!! Maybe Denis appears obnoxious to you as per your comments - you're probably just as obnoxious to him !! Going by the comments .... well ... The Horns is a great venue to avoid the 'Thug' attitude experienced by most of the rest of the high street bars, pubs & clubs. Most of the customers seem to be out for a good time and go back time after time - so it can't be as bad as you make out - maybe if certain customers didn't go it would be even better ??? As for your comments regarding the ladies - well - sorry not everyone is to your 'oil painting' standards - but you've obviously used the same opticians as i can't say the chaps are all that either - but hey - we must've missed YOU TWO on our nights out as you must be drop dead gorgeous to make comments like that or you're using your own glasses in the mirror in the gents !! Roll on Friday !!![/quote] Gosh... some people just cannot accept criticism, can they?
Sounds like our friend Ju-Ju has shares in the place to me.
Incidentally, I am not sure what you mean by the following..
[quote]maybe if certain customers didn't go it would be even better ???[/quote] care to elaborate?
In the meantime, I suggest that they invest a small amount of the massive profits The Horns must be making, into refurbishing the toliets as they really are not very pleasant are they?
It doesn't say much about a pub when the toilets smell as bad as that, does it?
Ju-Ju wrote:
To POD - & VOR - Well, if you don't like the prices or the atmosphere (which is why i assume over 200 people go to the pub on Friday's) or the bands - WHY BOTHER GOING ??? I'm sure you won't be missed amongst the many that do!!! Maybe Denis appears obnoxious to you as per your comments - you're probably just as obnoxious to him !! Going by the comments .... well ... The Horns is a great venue to avoid the 'Thug' attitude experienced by most of the rest of the high street bars, pubs & clubs. Most of the customers seem to be out for a good time and go back time after time - so it can't be as bad as you make out - maybe if certain customers didn't go it would be even better ??? As for your comments regarding the ladies - well - sorry not everyone is to your 'oil painting' standards - but you've obviously used the same opticians as i can't say the chaps are all that either - but hey - we must've missed YOU TWO on our nights out as you must be drop dead gorgeous to make comments like that or you're using your own glasses in the mirror in the gents !! Roll on Friday !!!
Gosh... some people just cannot accept criticism, can they?
Sounds like our friend Ju-Ju has shares in the place to me.
Incidentally, I am not sure what you mean by the following..
maybe if certain customers didn't go it would be even better ???
care to elaborate?
In the meantime, I suggest that they invest a small amount of the massive profits The Horns must be making, into refurbishing the toliets as they really are not very pleasant are they?
It doesn't say much about a pub when the toilets smell as bad as that, does it?
Posted by: The Plinth of Darkneth, Watford on 10:44am Wed 19 Mar 08
[quote]but you do not get the warm and friendly welcome that is given to you by Kenny at the Beaver on courtlands drive.[/quote]
My word... you are having a [italic][bold]laugh[/bold][/italic] aren't you?
but you do not get the warm and friendly welcome that is given to you by Kenny at the Beaver on courtlands drive.
My word... you are having a
laugh aren't you?
Posted by: JBB, Watford on 10:48am Wed 19 Mar 08
Oh can I just add, the food isn't all that either! That is defo over priced along with the tepid coffee
Oh can I just add, the food isn't all that either! That is defo over priced along with the tepid coffee
Posted by: Lawsy, watford on 11:05am Wed 19 Mar 08
Food has always been spot on at the Beaver and the smell of the toilets reminds me of a summer meadow
Food has always been spot on at the Beaver and the smell of the toilets reminds me of a summer meadow
Posted by: The Plinth of Darkneth, Watford on 11:43am Wed 19 Mar 08
I have tried to make some sense out of the following comment posted by Ju-Ju earlier and still have no idea what he/she/whatever is on about here...
[quote]you must be drop dead gorgeous to make comments like that or you're using your own glasses in the mirror in the gents[/quote] Can anyone help with this?
I have tried to make some sense out of the following comment posted by Ju-Ju earlier and still have no idea what he/she/whatever is on about here...
you must be drop dead gorgeous to make comments like that or you're using your own glasses in the mirror in the gents
Can anyone help with this?
Posted by: lumpyjumper, watford on 12:25pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Used to be good , had many a good night in there on open mike nights but now resembles a scene from coccoon!!
Used to be good , had many a good night in there on open mike nights but now resembles a scene from coccoon!!
Posted by: VoR, Watford on 12:42pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Normally I go equipped with a brown paper bag, does the trick for the one's that have a decent body but face is a bit rough.
I have bother for the one's with pretty faces but iffy bodies, can't find a bag big enough for those!!......Any ideas Boys?
Normally I go equipped with a brown paper bag, does the trick for the one's that have a decent body but face is a bit rough.
I have bother for the one's with pretty faces but iffy bodies, can't find a bag big enough for those!!......Any ideas Boys?
Posted by: The Plinth of Darkneth, Watford on 12:51pm Wed 19 Mar 08
[quote]one's that have a decent body but face is a bit rough.[/quote]
That, my friend, is what we call a BOBFOC.
Body Off Baywatch Face Off Crimewatch.
one's that have a decent body but face is a bit rough.
That, my friend, is what we call a BOBFOC.
Body Off Baywatch Face Off Crimewatch.
Posted by: VoR, Watford on 1:30pm Wed 19 Mar 08
It's alright pod, just got back from B&Q and saw a big bag there, trouble is I'll have to get the sand out of it 1st, then job done, c u Friday.
It's alright pod, just got back from B&Q and saw a big bag there, trouble is I'll have to get the sand out of it 1st, then job done, c u Friday.
Posted by: nathan ellington, Watford on 1:35pm Wed 19 Mar 08
The toilets in The Horns stink. Wonder how hygeineic the kitchens are?
The toilets in The Horns stink. Wonder how hygeineic the kitchens are?
Posted by: The Plinth of Darkneth, Watford on 2:14pm Wed 19 Mar 08
[quote][bold]nathan ellington[/bold] wrote:
The toilets in The Horns stink. Wonder how hygeineic the kitchens are?[/quote] Food for thought.
nathan ellington wrote:
The toilets in The Horns stink. Wonder how hygeineic the kitchens are?
Food for thought.
Posted by: lumpyjumper, hemel on 3:30pm Wed 19 Mar 08
[quote][bold]The Plinth of Darkneth[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]nathan ellington[/bold] wrote: The toilets in The Horns stink. Wonder how hygeineic the kitchens are?[/quote] Food for thought.[/quote] food for fart
The Plinth of Darkneth wrote:
nathan ellington wrote: The toilets in The Horns stink. Wonder how hygeineic the kitchens are?
Food for thought.
food for fart
Posted by: meridanny, watford on 4:07pm Wed 19 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Lawsy[/bold] wrote:
Food has always been spot on at the Beaver and the smell of the toilets reminds me of a summer meadow[/quote] The toilets are ok at the Beaver if you can get past the hoards tootin coke in them..
Lawsy wrote:
Food has always been spot on at the Beaver and the smell of the toilets reminds me of a summer meadow
The toilets are ok at the Beaver if you can get past the hoards tootin coke in them..
Posted by: meridanny, watford on 4:09pm Wed 19 Mar 08
[quote][bold]The Plinth of Darkneth[/bold] wrote:
[quote]one's that have a decent body but face is a bit rough.[/quote]
That, my friend, is what we call a BOBFOC.
Body Off Baywatch Face Off Crimewatch.
[/quote] Tracey Emin :0)
The Plinth of Darkneth wrote:
one's that have a decent body but face is a bit rough.
That, my friend, is what we call a BOBFOC.
Body Off Baywatch Face Off Crimewatch.
Tracey Emin :0)
Posted by: VoR, Watford on 8:54pm Wed 19 Mar 08
[quote][bold]meridanny[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]The Plinth of Darkneth[/bold] wrote:
[quote]one's that have a decent body but face is a bit rough.[/quote]
That, my friend, is what we call a BOBFOC.
Body Off Baywatch Face Off Crimewatch.
[/quote] Tracey Emin :0)[/quote] Didn't know your second name was Emin, Dan!
meridanny wrote:
The Plinth of Darkneth wrote:
one's that have a decent body but face is a bit rough.
That, my friend, is what we call a BOBFOC.
Body Off Baywatch Face Off Crimewatch.
Tracey Emin :0)
Didn't know your second name was Emin, Dan!
Posted by: Jimbobfury, Watford on 3:02pm Tue 25 Mar 08
I like to go to the Horns to get the feeling of being a Sardine in a can.....
And yes the toilets do stink!
I like to go to the Horns to get the feeling of being a Sardine in a can.....
And yes the toilets do stink!
Posted by: The Plinth of Darkneth, Watford on 11:37pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Jimbobfury[/bold] wrote:
I like to go to the Horns to get the feeling of being a Sardine in a can.....
And yes the toilets do stink![/quote] told you so.
Although not half as bad as The Flag...
But that's not the point, The Horns makes an absolute fortune in revenue so, out of common decency to the public, I think that Denis should dip into the profits and refurb the loos immediately.
All of those precious customers such as Ju-Ju must be far too polite to have mentioned it in the past.
Or perhaps these people are used to rank filthy smelling toilets?
Yuck.. let's hope not.
Jimbobfury wrote:
I like to go to the Horns to get the feeling of being a Sardine in a can.....
And yes the toilets do stink!
told you so.
Although not half as bad as The Flag...
But that's not the point, The Horns makes an absolute fortune in revenue so, out of common decency to the public, I think that Denis should dip into the profits and refurb the loos immediately.
All of those precious customers such as Ju-Ju must be far too polite to have mentioned it in the past.
Or perhaps these people are used to rank filthy smelling toilets?
Yuck.. let's hope not.
Posted by: Kombat, who cares on 11:24am Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Jimbobfury[/bold] wrote:
I like to go to the Horns to get the feeling of being a Sardine in a can..... And yes the toilets do stink![/quote] Since the smoking ban was thrust upon us, EVERY pub in watford stinks of pi55 and sh1t.
Great night out there...£4 a pint and coming home smelling of pisss! Can't wait till Friday!
Jimbobfury wrote:
I like to go to the Horns to get the feeling of being a Sardine in a can..... And yes the toilets do stink!
Since the smoking ban was thrust upon us, EVERY pub in watford stinks of pi55 and sh1t.
Great night out there...£4 a pint and coming home smelling of pisss! Can't wait till Friday!
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