A 17th century country pub in Potters Crouch will soon reopen after an £180,000 refurbishment and welcoming the arrival of an experienced chef.
More than a year on since its shock closure, The Holly Bush pub has been brought back to its best with a new tenant at the helm.
An exclusive launch event yesterday evening saw MP for Harpenden and Berkhamsted, Victoria Collins, on hand to pull the first pint in the new-look pub alongside tenant Scott McLaughlin.
The Holly Bush formally opens to the general public at midday tomorrow (February 14), and it is set to benefit from the arrival of Scott – a classically trained chef with 20 years’ experience in hospitality.
When speaking to the The Herts Advertiser, the new tenant could not hide his passion for fine dining and his excitement for the relaunch.
“I am just so delighted to be opening The Holly Bush – I was bowled over by its charm. I’ve spent a long time in restaurants – but a pub is something so special," Scott began.
"I am excited to be bringing my food to St Albans and to be putting the heart back into the community. I also plan to make The Holly Bush famous for having the best coffee in St Albans. It’s from hand-selected beans chosen by me and the team at The Holly Bush."
Prior to its reopening, Fuller’s invested £180k to bring the Grade II-listed building back to its charming self, including the addition of two new wood burners and substantial investment in the pub’s kitchen.
Some elements of the pub that customers and visitors will remember have remained in place – like its elegant crystal glassware – and there will be more new features to come, with work planned to improve the pub’s garden, when the weather permits.
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The new tenant specialises in French cuisine, as well as woodfired cookery. He has worked in several well-known restaurants in London and Hertfordshire, including the legendary Langan’s Brasserie.
He is aiming to creating a rustic dining experience that will nourish the soul with exceptional versions of traditional classics.
“I want to make The Holly Bush a pub for everyone. Whether you are popping in for a pint, or coming for a three-course meal, I intend to make sure my customers always have a fantastic experience.
"I promise the pub will be warm in the winter and, in the summer, we will have the most fantastic garden for our customers to enjoy.
“I can’t wait to start to meet and greet the local community. They may start as customers, but I hope we will soon be friends.”
Victoria Collins added: “I’m delighted to be here today to reopen this beautiful pub. The cost pressures the hospitality sector has been under recently are well documented, so to be reopening a pub is very special. The Holly Bush looks fantastic and with Scott at the helm, I am sure it is going to be very popular.
“When a pub closes, it’s not only the loss of a business, but a loss to the wider community. Pubs provide food, warmth and company to many who need it. The Holly Bush is looking fantastic, and I am sure Scott will be rebuilding that community spirit too.”
Following its controversial closure last year when the previous tenant left, Fuller's confirmed that no issues remain ongoing.
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