NOT so long ago I was championing the cause of an up and coming St Albans band called The Rivals, who found their spiritual home at The Golden Lion in London Colney.

I was invited along a couple of times to watch them rehearse in the pub's cavernous hall which always made for a memorable occasion.

The band even adopted me as their unoffical photographer, marketing agent and press liaison officer.

This probably explains why they never made it, but that is beside the point.

For me The Golden Lion will always contain the memories of those months when I watched from the sidelines as The Rivals made their bid for rock'n'roll stardom.

And so, while for many this unassuming pub on London Colney's High Street is just another local boozer, to me it's a rather special little place.

When I made a return visit last Thursday lunchtime it was pleasing to note that not much had changed.

Well-ensconced locals sat comfortably with their pints and papers as a steady trickle of customers came and went, all of whom were on first name terms with the staff and each other.

I wasn't eating but a quick glance at the menu revealed traditional, well-priced food, though the choice of ales did not look overly inspiring.

The pub also has plenty of leisure activities on offer with a pool table, two dart boards and a babyfoot (tabletop football) game.

Two large televisions were on view in both bars advertising Sky football so I would guess it's a popular spot to come and watch the big matches.

As with all the best locals, The Golden Lion does not stray too far from its purpose.

It provides a home from home; a place where everybody knows your name, but nobody asks too many questions.

AB

January 30, 2003 15:30