Uncertain future for St Albans historic pub

The future of a well-known St Albans pub remains a mystery after its sudden closure at the end of last spring.

Plans for the site where the Blue Anchor in Fishpool Street stands – whether refurbishment, conversion or demolition – hang in the air.

A spokesman for Hertford-based McMullen & Sons which run the pub, confirmed that a number of options were still being considered for the site and a tenant had not yet been found.

The pub, which underwent a transformation in September 2006 when it started serving food, closed suddenly before the start of the busy summer season last year.

Peter Furness-Smith managing director for McMullen, said: “Unfortunately we have been unable to find a suitable tenant for the Blue Anchor.

“The dilemma is that prospective tenants who are capable of making a success of the pub require a major investment but the pub is listed and the growth in restaurants and bars in the city centre has provided a lot more competition which makes such an investment uncommercial.

He added: “As you know The Black Lion has closed and the famous Six Bells nearby has been on the market for some time with little or no interest. We are therefore considering all options but remain hopeful that we will find an appropriate tenant.”

But a spokesman for the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) whose headquarters are in the Hatfield Road, lamented the loss of one of the city’s pubs.

Kevin Lea, CAMRA’S South Herts press officer, said: “We are naturally concerned that the pub has been closed for so many months, especially given the loss of the Black Lion and the fact that both the Six Bells and the Rose and Crown are currently up for sale.

“However it is our understanding that McMullens` are still trying to find a new tenant and we hope that these attempts are successful to enable a new chapter in the long and significant history of the Blue Anchor to commence.”