NESTLING on London Colney High Street The White Lion is an unassuming little watering hole with little to distinguish it from the cluster of public houses in what is arguably Europe's largest village.

It's whitewashed exterior, small garden and car park all combine to give the visitor an impression of a country pub and once inside it's clear that the place is a home from home for a band of hardy regulars and local residents.

With a piano, dartboard and burgeoning notice board of events, it seems that the White Lion must be a focal point for the local community. It's not hard to imagine evenings spent singing round the piano as the pub's patrons enjoy a traditional sing song.

My visit one Friday lunchtime was a rather less lively affair, although the smattering of regulars propping up the bar appeared friendly rather than stand-offish a common consequence of pubs that survive on regular, loyal custom.

Instead, I felt welcome as I walked through The White Lion's tiny interior, made even smaller by a number of divisions into what is actually three separate bar areas.

Food is also served, although sadly menus are not, and I was left to guess at what the kitchens in such a traditional establishment could muster.

A popular choice would appear to be the "daily specials". On my visit the dish of the day was gammon, potatoes and vegetables, reasonably priced at £3. The small bar crams a lot in with Tetley's, John Smith's and the usual suspects of the lager world all on tap. There are alcopops and wine but the limited collection I saw behind the bar didn't entice me.

All in all The White Lion is a nice enough pub. But, for the casual visitor, I suspect there is little to set it apart from its competitors.

SP