The Horns in Watford

Fantastic venue with live music and a great atmosphere! Very friendly staff since the revamp and change in management.

Having had a wonderful New Year's Eve at The Horns which we were delighted to learn had re-opened, I decided to take the bull by the Horns (pun intended) and booked a colleague's leaving party there last Thursday. From start to finish, we were expertly looked after by the friendly bar staff and the wonderful Denis who spun some great tunes and got everybody in the party mood. Sam the bar manager sorted a gorgeous buffet for us too (thanks Sam!). I would thoroughly recommend the venue for leaving parties - it's got a great vibe as the cool kids say 😆. The new management has certainly shaken things up so it's definitely worth a visit if the previous comments have put you off. Thanks for a fantastic night all - we'll be back! xxx

My family & I attended the ‘Ska’ night in March 23.We were checked in by security & one asked my nephew(who is transitioning)to pull down his mask,which he did & we were welcomed in.We had a great time & recommended it to everyone we knew.Three weeks later after being in the venue for about an hour.We were asked for ID for my nephew yes the same one who had been checked in 3 weeks earlier.The manager was called & despite my telling her we were there 3 weeks prior & that my nephew was transitioning & waiting for his new ID,it was to no avail!It was very embarrassing especially for my nephew.Perhaps the Horns management is transphobic!Our night was ruined & sadly I was returning to Oz two days later,so it was my last night out in the UK with family & friends.Also a refund was offered which I am still waiting for!

We went to The Horns last night to see a tribute band called Limehouse Lizzy. We have seen this band many times and they were as fantastic as they’ve always been! No complaints there! Shame the same cannot be said for the staff at the horns. Bar staff were rude. Service was poor and they cut the band short at the end of the night. We have been going to this pub for over 15 years and clearly the management change has not been for the better.

Best night out in Watford, I moved to Watford in 2019 for a job, I didn’t know anyone in the town. I overheard someone saying they had a brilliant night out there so I thought I’d check it out myself. I am now a regular at weekends. Made a few friends and love the place. Great bands and DJ’s most nights of the week. It is perfect for any age but especially good for over 30s very rare to see trouble. If you are visiting Watford and are looking for a night out then this is the go to venue.

On arrival, called at across the mostly empty bar, “put on your mask”, told to hand sanitizer and use NHS App. It’s not what was said that was wrong but the way it was said. Both male and female staff serving on Wednesday night need to be trained and reminded that customers are to be treated politely and with respect. I won’t be returning…..

What a shame, gone very downhill with a power crazy landlady acting like the Covid-19 gestapo shouting at everyone to sit down the second you stand or get out my pub, unless a regular then you can apparently do what you like. Really unnecessarily aggressive, patronising and rude attitude. You have to stand and stretch as the stools given are clearly only for people 4 foot tall or under so your back and knees are shot very quickly.Rules in place sure but these were so over the top and applied in contradictory ways, some were blatantly just made up on the spot but we were told were the law! How thick does she think people are? We too can read government guidelines! The landlady was also seen numerous times putting her fingers inside used glasses to collect them and then wiping her hands on a dirty cloth being used to also wipe down surfaces i stead of washing or sanitising before then serving other people. She was also live streaming the whole.pun without first having asked people permission of they were happy to be blasted over the Internet.One bloke who should have been cut off hours before as he was so drunk he couldn't function fell flat on his back banging his head hard on the concrete floor. Instead of calling an ambulance she insisted on dragging him up (when he was clearly not able to do so for himself), with the help of others and walked him out of the pub and after time off the premises! She claimed he was fine because she knew the daughter and had worked in pubs 14 years, he had fallen before and she knew first aid. Funny though how absolutely no first aid principles or treatment were applied but just taken off the premises to be someone else's liability! I hope the man lives but that was some serious head injury!! I guess working in a pub for 14 years qualifies you as a paramedic and she must be the font of all knowledge knowing his medical history and any meds he might be on. The only light were the band who tried their best but the landlady ruined it all and killed any atmosphere they might have created with her constant shouting at people, telling the band to be quieter and not to get the crowd going and acting like some gangster wannabe in Minnie mouse shoes!!Won't be returning and would reccomend to others very strongly not to bother unless you want to be treated like the sh*t on the bottom of her Minnie mouse shoes and drink in a place with a horrible atmosphere at prices that have been hiked up!

The Horns Pub is the number 1 place in Watford , when it comes to live music. Lots of bands everyday and great attentive staff behind the bar. Even the security guards are very friendly which is a plus. There is a smoking terrace outside and they do accept Credit Cards.

Third time in town, third time enjoyed watching live music in this pub. It was busy, but pretty much what you'd expect when a pub has a great live band on and free entry. Sadly, an infrequent experience on my travels.

Great live music venue. Large beer garden. Downside is the pub can become very crowded and they dont appear to limit the amount of people.

Had a very enjoyable Saturday evening here with a friend - good quality beers at comparable prices and live music in an excellent venue. Bar staff friendly and effficient. Great to see that there are still some pubs promoting live music.

Brilliant night, the pub itself is just perfect for anyone like me who is into their music memorabilia, atmosphere was great, the band were just amazing like they always are.......how brilliant to have this little gem on your doorstep

Visited The Horns to see Limehouse Lizzy on a VERY hot night. Parking easy in car park opposite. Friendly security, and bar staff the same. It was hot, but the beer garden helped for fresh air. Good choice of drinks, promptly served by helpful staff. Sound good for a small venue. Thoroughly recommended, we will return!

First time in Watford and we popped into The Horns to watch some live music. The band was great and the bar staff were very friendly. There is a pretty little beer garden which was great to catch some sun and enjoy a drink!Love the proper old skool pub style pub such a nice change from the pretentious newer style bars which are opening up all over the place. Also if you take time to have a look around there is some really interesting music memorabilia around the walls. We didn’t eat here but the drinks were all good!Thanks for an enjoyable day!

We popped in last night after many years to the open Mic.Around 10.30, the bar started stinking of dog food. It wasnt dog food but some meal that was being eaten at the bar. I later found out it was the landlady and whatever you do, dont mention it to her!!!Here you go......I am mentioning it now, Made me feel physically sick!.....think of your customers dear....they're kinda important!

I have been here many times with friends mainly to see bands either local or tribute bands. It is always a good night out with a lively crowd mainly between the 30 to 60 range. They are draught ales as well as the usual lagers and bottles the bar staff are very friendly and helpful they often livestream some of the Bands on Facebook which can be fun. Traditional wooden floor type pub old style worth a visit if you look up their Facebook page to see the type of music you like is on.

8 of us came here last Saturday night to watch a soul band and had a great time, the staff here are amazing, at one point there were loads of people at the bar and I got served quickly and the was asked again if I had been served by another staff member, great stuff. Toilets are easy to get to and all customers were friendly and wanted to enjoy themselves, a lovely atmosphere.Not sure why there are so many cameras there though, felt a bit big brother but didn’t bother me that much.Will be returning.

I've visited the Horns on many ocassions for their open mic evenings on Wednesday nights. It's free to enter with a small increase in drink prices on that evening, which is very fair. However, they also have a happy hour where you get two drinks for the price of one! The entertainment is excellent and is provided by bands and solo artists coming along and doing a couple of gigs. They are a mixture of amateurs and pros and are usually very good. Well worth a visit, especially if you are a fan of blues music. Highly recommended!

Called in after the football so 5ish and ordered 2 Carlsbergs to be told that's £10 please! When I question the price I was told because we have live music on a Saturday! There was no band there at 5pm! Rip off.

Great bands and atmosphere sadly a ruined a brand new dress on old and unkempt benches in the garden area. Over priced drinks for class of venue

Este pub cobra 10 libras para ver una banda que está por debajo del estándar con precios abusivos (ridículo) bar pero cuando vemos una banda que no tiene precio puerta es mucho mejor aún los precios del bar ridículo. He estado muchas veces y ahora no VOLVEREMOS. . Los baños son malas.

Al no haber sido nunca a Watford antes, pedimos un local para una recomendación para un lugar acogedor para tomar una bebida agradable. Nos quedamos bastante decepcionados. El pub era muy básico y muy caro. Sin embargo, por el lado bueno, el personal era muy amable y simpático. No es mi taza de té para ser sincero, pero cada uno a su propia

El domingo pasado tuve asado de cordero y mi novia tenía un plato mediterráneo, que incluía salami, jamón, aceitunas, ensalada y pan ciabatta.

Limpio y agradable pub, muchos asientos dentro y fuera. El personal del bar es agradable, buena selección de bebidas. Es un poco caro pero mantiene el problema.

Un buen lugar para visitar si te gusta la música en vivo de bandas todo lo que te puedes imaginar en un tiempo de Jazz Rock/almuerzo domingo Alma /etc en una noche de sábado. Todos ellos tienen una discoteca el viernes por la noche y otros atractivos durante la semana.

This is my kind of boozer, rock and roll paraphernalia everywhere you look. We were in need of lunchtime refreshment and were not disappointed. A generous portion of chicken and chips, accompanied by a pint of Doom Bar, all reasonably priced. Looks like a great music venue as well

Went there on a Sunday night. An excellent covers band, The Old Street Rockers, were playing. Not that many people there but the sound was good. Usually bands don't sound that good when a crowd is sparse but the pub has it's own PA system and in-house sound engineer mixing the sound. Never come across that in any other 'music' pub. And entry was free. Guinness was good although a little pricey but then I was entertained for free! Friendly, efficient bar staff.

Visited with a group of friends to see some live music and was impressed.....not a great selection of ales but they did have a good craft lager on tap.Decor is OK if a little tired but the thing that really impressed me was the speed of service by the bar staff....despite the place being rammed we were served super fast and with a smile every time we got a round in....prices are OK......would definitely recommend if you like good live music and a friendly atmosphere

This pub is a treasure. The staff are helpful, accommodating and friendly. The food is good and fresh. Roast dinners (small portions available for lighter appetites), vegetarian options, all with freshly cooked vegetables. Live music every week. All ages welcome and a covered outside area provided for more popular times and summer dining. Dogs welcome in the outside area. If you want to be sure of a table you'd do well to book. (Great music programme published monthly for a wide variety of tastes). Warm and welcoming.

Full of old gobshites on the pull, but if that's what your into then you've found the jewel in the crown!

The staff are efficient and friendly, the music was great. There's usually something going on in the evenings & weekends. Food is available during the day & the venue can host parties & even offer to decorate a specific area if required & offer a reasonably priced buffet too.

So rushing from london 3 hour trip to come to see the band - hadn't eaten and knew they only served food at lunchtime so bought some chips. Fair enough I was asked to eat them in the garden ! Then to add insult to injury surrounded by lads whose trousers were down by their knees smoking like troupers and me dressed up a respectable middle aged woman was kicked out onto pavement as didn't allow food on premises ! Despite security having cleared it ! So eat before you arrive !

Wednesday night ramjam is great as are lots of gig nights. Excellent bar staff- in particular Miles.

Great pub for drinking and for live music, Doombar on draft which is always good and on the evening of my visit, Hobgoblin was on tap! Might have been guesting as it was so close to Halloween but even so, a good choice. Absolutely rammed later in the evening but a chill out zone in the outside garden means that it's not too claustrophobic inside. Overall been a while since I have been back to my hometown, but The Horns has definitely improved. Great pub felt very welcome

The Horns in Watford is an great music venue, Thursdays are tribute band night, many good bands have performed at this pub, the most recent and best demonstrated by the excellent performance on Thursday 27th October by tribute band ZZ Tops. ZZ TOPS are lively band with a tight sound, with slick delivery by three very accomplished musicians, great entertainment....plus good hospitality.

We have frequented the Horns for many years and loved it, but since it has changed hands it has gone down hill badly. The staff are unattentive and rude, the beer is very hit and miss. It is such a shame that this pub has sunk to these depths. The music has always been good, but the sound guy had a huge ego and ruined the sound. This place is so badly run now that we will not be returning any time soon, such a shame.

Went for Sunday lunch prior to a music gig scheduled for 4pm. Pleasantly surprised to find another band (Trad jazz) playing over lunchtime. Generous slices of roast beef with all the usual trimmings, plus a pint, was tasty and great value at under £13!Many of the lunchtime customers left after the jazz finished, but there wasn't long to wait for the afternoon gig from the excellent Stanley Dee, who drew their own appreciative and enthusiastic crowd.An excellent afternoon out!

Great pub that evidently has live music every night.The evening was ruined by a small contingent of rough local guys looking for trouble who intimidated our group of 3 couples to the extent we felt threatened and left. The owners should not allow these sort of people into their premises, who were intent on hassling girls and non locals eg us .Shame as the band were great and they sold Timothy Taylor beer

I went here with my boyfriend after a shopping trip in Watford mall. We enjoyed our drinks and although was quiet when we visited there seems to be a lot going on with gigs and events.

I know how cornly my title sounds. But this venue has something for everyone. Always welcoming, friendly and strangely sophisticated. A complete musical experience and a lovely outside sitting spot. Put it on your Bucket list when in Hertfordshire or London.

This pub has been around for years most of the bands I've seen there have been excellent, they also have a quiz evening at least they did the last time I was there !!.A great night out if your looking for a lively atmosphere, good sounds n the usual drinks well it is a pub after all....lol.Sometimes it can be a bit OTT as you can find the young set occupying the pub with there very loud, screeching laughter, slight drunk singing n dancing and being quite obnoxious I would say leave or avoid before it kicks off.Other than that I've had more good nights than bad and worth a visit.

Agood place to see local bands play live on a Saturday night snd Sunday afternoonAll types off music covered. Most play cover version"a anf to a very high standard

Had a great night listening to McVicar - a local band. The stage area was well placed and there was plenty of space to mingle or dance. Good selection of beer and not too expensive - a great venue

My friends and I met at The Horns yesterday lunch time for a quick drink after our college class had finished, I am 20 years old, and the rest of my friends 18 and 19. I suppose a group of 'young' people intimidated the staff. My friend, who recently turned 19 went to the bar to buy me a drink, whilst I got comfortable in the rather dirty beer garden. Clearly, there had been problems with college students before, because a rude lady with dark hair and glasses came storming out, asking for identification of my friends and I, although, my friends who bought me a drink was not identified because he 'went to the bar', then later told us he was never asked for his ID at the bar. Like many students, I do not own a provisional or drivers license, therefore my only photographic identification is my passport, that I am certainly not carrying around college and on the trains with me. I was looking forward to a quiet drink with my friends, but we were rudely interrupted. Being 20 years old I was rather flattered to be asked for my ID, but to be asked so incredibly harshly, was inappropriate. I work in a pub myself, and would not dream of treating customers the way I was treated, I understand fully if identification has not been shown then they cannot serve any drinks. The way it was dealt with was utterly unacceptable. We were told, this quote being word for word- ''we have had problems with you lot before'' which seems rather strange as I have never stepped foot in the establishment before.Clearly, college students have been stereotyped, leaving us shocked and extremely angry about what had happened. Then, all to top it off, another friend had walked past the pub (quickly noticing us as the garden is very open), he joined us in the garden, whilst eating his own food, within seconds of him entering the garden, yet ANOTHER rude staff member came storming out of the pub literally yelling 'CANT YOU READ?' I was totally flabbergasted. There was very small signs on the tables that read 'please do not consume your own food and drink', again, I fully understand that rule, but within seconds of entering the pub grounds, to get screamed as a customer, is so so wrong. As a fellow barmaid/waitress, I strongly encourage you fix your attitudes before you lose more customers. Whatever happened to customer service? Or does that not exist in your establishment? I'm very tempted to post this on my Facebook wall, where all college students and other residents of Watford can see how despicable your staffs behaviour is, but I will wait for a reply to this complaint. I look forward to hearing from you, hopefully receiving an apology.

Best pub in the area for live music, disco or live bands every night and 2 bands on at weekends, Free entry most nights though they do sometimes have an admission charge, normal pub prices. Parking in the area is a problem and usually have to use the pay car park across the road. Does get very busy so could be difficult to find seats.

Visit here regularly, especially when the weather gets a bit better. It is a great place to meet and enjoy the entertainment. When it gets busy though can be a bit of a mare. Overall....a great pub offering excellent entertainment

Love this bar, the live music was excellent couldn't fault them. Made for a great atmosphere. No room to sit but that's ok for us we don't mind standing and dancing around a bit. Does get super busy in there. Staff were nice and got served very quickly so no waiting despite the crowd. The only thing we didn't like and the reason for only 4 instead of 5 star is .. the drinks are very expensive so prob wouldn't go back too often

I have been to the horns 5-6 times now and its always a good venue. They have a decent PA System and someone caring about the mix so the bands sound good whilst the bar staff deserve a shout for being friendly even to an old man like me. Parking opposite has to be paid for but is reasonable and access using the M25 into Watford is easy.

We visited the Horns for a quick drink before a Watford match and found a great atmosphere helped by an informal pub quiz.Decent choice of beers and children welcomed.

Popped down here with friends for the live music and wasn't disappointed at all, overall a pretty friendly pub with a good live music scene

I keep forgetting that pubs close at 11h00 ! We had a super time watching Thin Lizzy! The crowd is an older crowd ...which was very enjoyable !

Seems to have lost the great atmosphere it had a year ago new owners understand. Not friendly which is why not that busy now

We visited for the first time on Sunday. The jazz was excellent but the food was a let down. We had the Sunday roast and it was very overcooked. Pots must have been kept warm for hours and had that terrible taste.**Clientele.. Average age 70 years. Might be younger during week.

I was hoping for roast beef but was too late and had to settle for roast lamb. It was excellent as was the Guinness Ate outside which was quiet pleasant.

Far and away the best live music venue for miles around. Great tribute bands on most weeks and the best cover bands around covering all genres. Staff are lively and quick to serve you and I have never left the venue without thinking what a great night it was. Open mic session held every wednesday and a disco on friday if that's your thing. Something for everyone. Highly recommended....

Lovey venue, I recently watched lime house lizzy (thin lizzy tribute) play and they were amazing! Really got the crowd moving. There was a wide range of drinks at reasonable prices, the staff were lovely and extremely polite, made me and my wife feel very welcome.

Coming to The Horns for me is like coming home. I say its my local only I don't live in Watford and I don't get down half as often as I'd like but when I do I'm made to feel so welcome and valued its like I've never been away! The staff are second to none, warm welcoming friendly and helpful! The food is fantastic! The bands they have on are of the highest calibre! And there's not many pubs that'll you can find all that! The only negative? I can't afford to go there every night!

This is a great music venue. Head over there for excellent jazz on a Sunday lunchtime and listen for the price of a donation for the musicians. Fab local artists performing there and some great up and coming bands too.

The Sunday food was not nice, processed and could have been a microwave meal.I was a regular but one day an incident occurred where I was assaulted in Police misconduct.Yet pub landlady decided to make it difficult and denying right to access CCTV. Even said the PC was right to do what he did, even though IPCC officially confirmed misconduct. All because the pub owner did not want it to affect her license.and so made the situation worse for the innocent casualty.

I usually come here with my friends to play music, but everytime we come, we are made to feel uncomfortable for being there by some staff. The host of the open mic is amazing, absolutely lovely, and the people we regularly see there are too, hence why we keep coming back. But by 1 of the women In particular, we are made to feel extremely unwelcome, and always prepare ourselves for that feeling. She seems to have had a problem with us ever since we started coming here. We were just relaxing, as we just got there, and as we were just thinking of getting up to buy some drinks, my friends were approached and told off very rudely for not having bought any yet and how dare we just play here and not get drinks (even though we usually do and were about to), Instead of politely asking us and suggesting that we bought some, we were given a speech of how important it is and how this pub costs so much to run. Anyway I could go on, but essentially, the staff need to learn to make their customers feel more welcome and if there is an issue that needs addressing, merely ask them or inform them, politely. Having a job where I serve customers regularly, I would never dream of speaking to people the way we were spoken to. I hate leaving bad reviews, because I generally don't take badly to people, but I feel it needed to be addressed. We have always behaved ourselves there, tried to stay out of the way, and just enjoy the evening and watch all the other acts that come and play, but are made to feel discriminated against and out of place and 'sorry' for being there by some staff. I am not mentioning names or what they look like, because it's not nessecery. And by the way, the open mic itself, and the people that organise that and play for it, are wonderful! Everything is right with that :) so definitely attend if you want a good musical night :D

Great music pub , ive seen many great bands in here , well worth checking out their gig guide . Loads of new bands each week plus great roasts on a Sunday

Entered this bar around 7pm , the Manager or who seemed to be, was walking along the bar , where people were standing with their drinks, The bar girl did not say hello or thank you, a pint and a bottle of cider £9. There was a group of people standing next to the stage, the Manager who was no more than a few steps from these people , asked the bar maid to ask them to move , when the people asked why ? she shouted to the bar maid , "are they asking why ? tell them Heath and safety" we could all hear her , It was rude and would have been far easier and nicer if the said it herself nicely and quietly, the band where not even in the building yet, the group left and said , they wont be back , , we too left. if your so concerned about health and safety , please don't walk along the bar , with customers underneath you.

This is a very busy pub age group 25 and older .Friday nights is a bit off a pulling place but still a good night out if you are not on the pull .Bands a really good from SKA to Dire Straits.

Great music and atmosphere in a lively pub environment. Friendly and welcoming for all ages. Gets very busy at weekends.

If you only visit the horns once then make sure it is on a Sunday! From midday onwards, the old boys play a selection of upbeat and mellow jazz favourites. Get there early as seats will most definitely be taken up by many other local of the older generation, who come down to enjoy some of the delicious roasts on offer. Great to see some stylish and old school dancing by he 70 somethings +

This place is great for live music. Drinks on the pricier side so I don't stay here to long. Atmosphere buzzing on the weekend and can get really busy when a band is on. Other times it can be very quiet. You choose which you prefer!

Food advertised as 'homemade' but in reality it's processed supermarket junk, however at £2.95 a meal it saves this place from being rated one-star. Would not recommend.

A small nice pub. They play live music on certain days. There are always customers there. Service and beer are fine.

i was on a day visit to watford,i walked to the end of town and found the horns,and had a drink and spoke to the manager,he said its a very busy music pub,thursday night a stones tribute band i wish i had more time for some pub grub and music a nice friendly pub,well worth a visit.

I have only recently visited The Horns due to the location next to Watford Leisure Centre when having to drop off my mother for an exercise class and we were early to decided to drop in to get something to eat and drink. What a pleasant surprise! The had a good selection of lunchtime pub grub but it was excellent - the chips were a good size, not greasy, slightly crisp on the outside and soft and fluffy inside just as they should be. I had a cheese and mushroom omelette which was served with chips and garnished with salad. This wasn't just a few sprigs of limp lettuce, it also had sweet baby tomatoes, beetroot, red onion and cucumber. In addition to this, they serve very 'healthy' sized portions too which is great if are hungry. The prices aren't bad either and very competitive with other establishments in the area.I will certainly pay them a visit again in the near future.

The Horns is a great pub for live music and about the only pub that has regular daily bands and singers. Thursday night is the big night as this tends to be the evening the best bands are on. Friday is also great with a real eighties disco going on. Sunday afternoon is a live jazz band which is great on a warm afternoon in the big beer garden.

This pub situated at the top of Watford High Street has become popular with slightly older clientele. It regularly holds gigs featuring reputable tribute band and is usually packed with people dancing and generally having fun, though there is a beer garden to cater for those wanting to take a moment to catch their breath. As you would expect from a t town pub, it has good selecting on beer, larger, wine and spirits. Music usually played ranges from 70s through to present day. The Bar staff are friendly as are most of the revellers.

Lovely staff,great food and entertainment .Pam the owner is welcoming and warm,she will always do her best to make sure you are happy.amazing bands on each week,try it,i'm sure you will love it.

Lively, atmosphere is good, lots of bar staff, live bands. Would choose this pub for night out. I don't know what it's like in the day time.

The Horns is the best live music venue for miles around.Live music most nights of the week, the friendliest feeling pub you could find, and staff that love what they're doing.I love the place.

Good regular live music, great Sunday roast and nice outside area.

As it says, old fashioned country pub stuck in the heart of Watford but the food is home cooked and good value for money. Nothing special but for a pub lunch, its fine. Student and OAP lunches also catered for. They do have some really good live bands on from Thur-Sunday.