The White Lion has been voted the area's best pub by Watford Observer readers.

The boozer in St Albans Road, Watford, scooped the gong due to its “warm, inviting atmosphere, refreshing drinks and quality food”.

It offers food such as fish and chips and roast dinners which have become “real favourites” with the locals.

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Sean Byrne, one of the licensees, said: “We are elated to have won this award and want to thank our team for hard work and customers for the votes, it really means the world to us.

“The local community are always so supportive, and it makes all the hard work worth it to see and hear how pleased they are with our wonderful pub.”

Sean runs the pub with his wife, Ausra, with the pair focused on making The White Lion a community space and welcoming for all guests.

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They also worked on a refurbishment last year which has helped restore the space and open up the garden for the summer months.

Sean added: “Ausra and I have fallen in love with The White Lion and will do everything to continue its success.”

They have offered a ‘kids eat for £1’ deal in August as well as having colouring books and games available to keep children entertained.

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The pair moved from central London to open a pub in Watford as their old building was being knocked down.

They took over in October 2021 and closed the pub for refurbishments between January and April 2022.

The husband and wife are hoping to settle down in Watford and “one day start a family, when we have time,” according to Sean.

Watford Observer: The pub post-renovationsThe pub post-renovations (Image: The White Lion)

The owner added: “It is a cosy pub with old charm which needed a little bit of TLC when we took over but the locals have been so supportive and backed us with the renovations and are super friendly.”

The pub sometimes holds live performances from bands, with The Rock Bottom Band performing rock and roll music last night.

Sean said: “It was packed and some of our regulars put us in touch with the band who did the performance for free.”