MY dedication to this job knows no bounds. There I was, walking through Watford with my girlfriend on a Saturday night, heading towards one of many the faceless chain-pubs when I realised you could have a drink in Baraka without sitting in the restaraunt

"Let's just nip in here to do a pub review," I said.

The self-censorship of this newspaper prohibits me from telling you what she said.

She chirped up a bit when we got in, however.

They've really gone to town to give the place a Morrocan feel. Fair enough, I don't have a clue what passes as authentic Morrocan, but this'll do for me.

The stretched material on the ceiling gives you the impression you are in a tent, the bar staff wear T-shirts that are obviously Morrocan influenced and the wooden fencing adds to all that. The air conditioning set on high really completed the effect, though I could have done without it to be honest.

There's plenty of space in there too, though seats are at a premium in what appeared to be the non-restaurant areas.

Prices are at a premium too, with a pint of Carling and a small glass of wine coming to £5 exactly. Apparently they do three-pint pitchers for £5 at certain times during the week, with similar offers on other drinks.

I have to say I wouldn't fancy eating in there on a Saturday night when pop classics from the 1980's are entertaining the pre-club revellers, but I would imagine it would be good on any other night of the week.

But all said and done, Baraka is one themed pub that is genuinely fun to be in.

HJ