As a presidential candidate, Barack Obama introduced himself to Europe from the splendour of the Victory Column in Berlin.

His first visit as US President may take place against the backdrop of Watford. An hotel on the outskirts of the municipal borough just north of London is on a shortlist of venues for a follow-up G20 summit next spring.

Given that nothing less than the remaking of the world financial order is on the agenda, the stakes could hardly be higher for the Hertfordshire town. Not only could Watford host the 44th President of the United States on his first international summit, but it could also displace Bretton Woods as the accepted shorthand for global economic architecture.

That such an unlikely store of glory is within its grasp is explained by the success of the Progressive Governance Summit this year when The Grove, a country house hotel, proved itself equal to the task of accommodating 15 world leaders. But before it starts blocking off room for another five, including Mr Obama, it should know that others are pushing the claims of Birmingham and Manchester. Holding the summit in the West Midlands has particular appeal for Labour MPs still smarting at the Conservatives’ use of the city for their annual conference this year.

Then there is the tricky matter of Japan’s publicly stated desire to host the next G20 — a diplomatic hiccup that prevented Gordon Brown from announcing Britain’s coup in Washington. As the formal leader of the G20 next year, protocol is on Mr Brown’s side, but officials emphasised that “proper procedures” would have to be followed.

A formal announcement is expected after the Pre-Budget Report next week. London remains the most likely venue, senior government officials say. But Watford, it could still be you.

— Mr Brown’s most senior policy advisers held face-to-face meetings with Mr Obama’s transition team during his visit to Washington. Mr Obama sent Madeleine Albright to represent him at the meeting.

BERLIN CITY

Famous people John F Kennedy claimed: “I am a citizen of Berlin”

Football Legends Hertha Berlin FC play at the Olympiastadion (capacity 76,243)

Twin cities Berlin is twinned with 17 cities including Los Angeles, Paris, Madrid, Moscow, Tokyo, London and Beijing

Cultural highlights Berlin has 420 art galleries, 153 museums, the largest public film festival on Earth, 50 theatres, 3 opera houses

1989 The Berlin Wall fell in 1989, paving the way for German reunification and the end of the Cold War

WATFORD TOWN

Famous people Ex-Watford residents include Vinnie Jones and Spice Girl Gerry Halliwell

Football legends Watford FC are based at Vicarage Road (capacity 19,920)

Twin towns Watford is twinned with Mainz, Nanterre, Novgorod, Wilmington and Pesaro

Cultural highlights Watford has an art gallery, three theatres, a museum, a cinema, and jukeboxes in some pubs

1989 Hillside JMI School closed, paving the way for Tanners Wood JMI School

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