Trendy and jolly

I'd missed out on this place because although I'd passed it many times the exterior looked plain like an old pub or large detached house. But ads in the local free newspapers had caught my eye so I went looking for it. As you head north towards Watford from The Alpine, which is on the corner by the traffic lights, Ruby's is on the same side of the road, the left. Ruby's building and sign are visible just after the big Harvester, next to and beyond the garage, before you reach the shops at Bushey Heath.A car park is at the back. Not that large but we found a space. We glimpsed well-kept garden seating, grass, trees and benches, beyond the car park.Inside it's not the dismal, shabby, downmarket pub I'd been expecting but a really bustling, modern and trendy-looking restaurant with a lively, young, well-dressed crowd.The man at the bar looked at the clock and said that they could serve us if we got our order in fast. My friend had recently flown in from overseas and had jetlag and did not want to feel rushed so I had to leave. But I'll go back earlier in the evening with the same person or somebody else.I could not find a website with their menu but I asked for a copy of it to take home. Four starters at £4-5. I've picked my starter for next time, trout mousse in smoked salmon with brown bread. Most people would like one of the three 'Starters to share'. I'm allergic to shellfish to I might opt for humous, taramasalata and falafel and feta cheese. But I eat pots of humous and taramasalata at home from the supermarket as it's easy and quick. For my main course the chicken with aprico and brie stuffing sounds delightful, though not when I look at a dress two sizes smaller than the one I'm wearing.Desserts, coffees and wines - I'll let you know. I'll go back soon.

A User - 10/12/2008 | report this review