Hi Sasha,
Have a look at www.laugar.org.uk
Get my number and give me a call.
I'm only 3 miles from Ilford.
The guy teaching in Ilford, I believe is a student of Stan Brown Sifu. So there should be no problem with the quality of the training.
I don't see that being a first degree should be any problem, as most of the syllabus after 1st is weapons anyway.
As for the class in Watford. You are correct in your suspicion about the kickboxing. The guy is a student of Kevin Brewerton, so the KB training should be good, but if you want traditional lau Gar you won't find it there!
"The cat never weeps for the mouse"
http://www.laugar.org.uk