An Abbots Langley landlord has hailed the "wonderful people and amazing memories" while celebrating 40 years serving the community. 

Tony Vodden, who owns The Compasses in Tibbs Hill Road, will be “celebrating with the regulars” this week to mark the anniversary of his establishment.

He has been involved with the family pub since 1983 but became the landlord 22 years ago.

Watford Observer: Tony and his father pictured outside of the pub in 1984.Tony and his father pictured outside of the pub in 1984. (Image: Tony Vodden)

Tony said: “We are very much a community pub and have many regular customers. We do get a lot of trade from the Warner Bros Studios as we are the closest to the site.

“We have welcomed many famous faces, including George Lucas and many of the Harry Potter cast when they were filming.”

Watford Observer: Tony pictured with his two daughters, mum and dad. Tony pictured with his two daughters, mum and dad. (Image: Tony Vodden)

The landlord is supported by his partner Anita Lyden, who is also an integral part of the pub.

They are celebrating the anniversary with a newly painted logo on the outside of the building, which was done by a local artist, as well as hosting a party with a DJ and buffet in January.

Tony describes the building as a “Tardis”, as it is “far bigger on the inside than it looks”. It has three bars and a large outdoor space at the back seating up to 90 people under cover.

Watford Observer: Tony and Anita work very hard in the pub. Tony and Anita work very hard in the pub. (Image: Tony Vodden)

Tony, who has lived in Watford since the age of 12, added: “I have spent all of my life in the pub and have had a great time, with some wonderful people and amazing memories.”

He is also a father of two girls, aged 27 and 24, but has made sure they don’t go into the trade as he described it as "very hard work".

"You can’t disappear from the pub, it is a 24-hour role,” he added.

Watford Observer: The Compasses had a new compass painted on the outside. The Compasses had a new compass painted on the outside. (Image: Tony Vodden)

The landlord is originally from Hackney but has remained in Watford since his parents took over the pub in 1983 and he bought it off them 22 years ago.

Since lockdown, Tony found that many customers have shorter nights out, with the busiest time being between 5pm and 9.30pm.

The 56-year-old suggests that this could be due to people getting used to drinking at home, as well as preferring their home comforts rather than late nights out.