I WAS originally sent out to London Colney to review The Meeting Place, however after doing several laps of the high street I decided that either my eyesight was a lot worse than I had originally thought or the pub had changed names.

Before panic buying a guide dog I went into the Pear and Partridge and was informed that the pub I was looking for had been renamed the King's Head as I walked out the barman wished me luck.

It was with some apprehension therefore that I finally entered the pub formerly known as The Meeting Place.

My fears quickly disappeared though when, after negotiating the strangely designed entrance, which is under observation fom the front table through a shop window-type design, I walked into the main bar. I ordered a pint of Fosters from the usual line-up of beers and lagers and chose a hot baguette from the rather more extensive and reasonably priced menu.

I picked out a table and checked out the layout of the pub. This is a big battle cruiser of a pub, though due to its L-shaped design and several large pillars it feels alot more personal and homely.

There are plenty of small tables and a couple of sofas placed around tables for slightly larger parties. The King's Head caters well for sport with a pool table and dart board as well as a big screen boasting live Sky sports.

These, despite being accessible and spacious, do not dominate and, apart from the rather unsightly computer football game, could even go unnoticed. There are the inevitable duo of fruit machines but slightly more interesting is a machine with internet access.

The long bar means that even when this pub is busy there remains a good chance of being served and despite its modern touches it maintains the feel of a traditional drinking hole.

DO

January 30, 2003 10:00