That's the uplifting verdict of Paula Murphy, the landlady of the Villiers Arms, as she reflected on her first year in business at the traditional Oxhey pub.
Millie, Lynn and Paula behind the bar at the Villers Arms last Christmas. (Image: Supplied)
Paula is having to confront the same pressures as other pubs across the area - rising costs, taxes and wages - but she has no regrets about taking the plunge in October last year.
"Bearing in mind I've never done it (run a pub), it was a massive risk but it's probably the best thing I've ever done. It's lovely.
"For me the best part about the pub is definitely the community. It's a real community here, a real heart of the village."
A packed Villiers Arms garden during the summer (Image: Supplied)
The Villiers Road venue previously featured as the Watford Observer's Pub of the Week in January, three months after Paula and her father Lynn Tosh took over the free house from the previous proprietors.
Although Paula's daughter Millie has a background in hospitality, with no prior experience of running a pub in the family it was little surprise she described those first few months as a "whirlwind".
The learning experiences have continued throughout this year - managing stock levels has been the biggest one for Paula - and these are set to continue.
Even Elvis is getting into the festive spirit at the Oxhey pub (Image: Newsquest)
"It's been great," she said. "We've had a good year, we're up on last year. We haven't really put our prices up because you don't want to offset anything on to your customers but, unfortunately, we are going to have to eventually.
"She [the Chancellor] has changed everything again and with staff NI [National Insurance], it hits you massively.
"We had an amazing summer but we did a lot. Next year, what I'm planning to do is one event a month because you can't expect your regulars to come in every weekend. It's expensive."
Customers enjoying a drink outside the pub (Image: Supplied)
Customers were able to enjoy a new pergola during the summer, while the improvements to the pub garden are set to continue in the new year when a new shed building is constructed.
Paula's immediate focus, though, is Christmas.
The popular Sid Sideboard and The Chairs will be performing at the Villiers Arms from 5pm this evening (Saturday), and tomorrow customers can enjoy mince pies and mulled wine while Sarah Sharp sings a mixture of Carols and Christmas favourites, also starting at 5pm.
The Villiers Arms is all set for Christmas (Image: Newsquest)
New Year's Eve will be a ticketed event, mainly to ensure the pub's regulars are catered for.
"I'm doing it because I want to know numbers so it will be comfortable in here and also so that everyone that wants to be in here can be," she said.
Fulsome in her praise of her "absolutely amazing" staff - "they have helped me immensely" - Paula looks back on her first year running a pub fondly.
"We couldn't ask for more really," she said. "The customers have been fantastic."