A historic Wheathampstead pub has reopened after an almost £200,000 refurbishment.
The Elephant & Castle, a Grade II listed venue dating back to the 17th century, has relaunched following a joint investment from Greene King and Chase Inns.
The Amwell Lane pub has been pouring pints and welcoming customers back through its doors since June 22, enjoying a strong early uptake and success.
Paul Marsh, co-founder of Chase Inns, said: "This has been an incredible challenge, but seeing the response from the community has made every hour worthwhile.
"Almost everything needed replacing, from the kitchen and cellar to the toilets, furniture and our new garden tipi.
"The support we've received has been overwhelming."
Harpenden and Berkhamsted MP Victoria Collins visited the pub to see the transformation and discuss issues affecting the hospitality sector, including rising employment costs, business rates and energy prices.
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Since reopening, the pub has received more than 150 job applications and created more than 40 new roles.
Paul used the visit to emphasise the financial pressures facing independent pubs, citing rising costs in VAT, National Insurance, and business rates.
He also shared the difficulty of securing affordable energy contracts, revealing that a quote for electricity was initially almost £42,000 per year before being reduced to just over £16,000 after negotiations.
Despite these challenges, Chase Inns remains committed to its small portfolio of "Proper Pubs" while supporting the hospitality industry's campaign to reduce VAT on food and drink sales to 10 per cent.
Paul added: "Our passion has always been simple.
"Great pubs, great service and making people smile. That's exactly what we've created at the Elephant & Castle, and we're excited for what comes next."
The Elephant & Castle pub initially closed in January of this year after remaining under the ownership of Farr Brew for some time.
Farr Brew announced with "sadness" that they were leaving the venue, saying "we simply can't field losses any further".
The previous owner "loved" their time at the pub, but trading conditions - including rent and business rates - were north of "£130k per year". Also, negotiations with the pub's owner Greene King allegedly proved unsuccessful.
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