Part of 'wide-ranging' The Oddfellows refurb plans submitted

The Oddfellows in Fearnley Street, Watford, has been set for a wide-ranging refurbishment for more than a year but the process of finding a new owner meant it was instead boarded up in April.

On Monday (September 25), a planning application was submitted to Watford Borough Council by Star Pubs and Bars asking for permission to put up signs that were promised in previous documents detailing the planned refurbishment.

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These include a large sign on the side with a new logo, window vinyls with the pub name, new illuminated lettering, and several smaller signs across the front of the boozer.

In April, The Oddfellows was closed on short notice by a short-term operator who had been in place while the recruitment process was ongoing and refurbishment works getting underway had been subject to finding a new licensee.

Proposed signage attached to the officially submitted plan. (Image: Star Pubs and Bars, Watford Borough Council planning portal, SR Signs)
Heineken owns Oddfellows and its subsidiary Star Pubs & Bars had been recruiting by sharing an advert for the position including the details of the planned refurbishment, since September last year.

Popular with away fans, it is set for “extensive” works to become a “friendly and modern pub” which was originally to include renaming it.

It was later confirmed, in October last year, that the change to The Hornets will not go ahead.

Oddfellows refurbishment floorplan, from the licensee advert and not part of the plans officially submitted so far. (Image: Stars Pubs and Bars)

This may have been due to criticism that the name would be confusing for a pub patronised by away fans.

Further proposed changes included an outdoor seating area in the beer garden with a retractable roof, an outdoor soft play area, kitchen facilities, and an open bar floor. These will require further planning applications.

Oddfellows is no longer being advertised for a new licensee and the plans being officially submitted suggests one has now been found. Star Pubs and Bars has been contacted for confirmation. Update to follow.

The Oddfellows boarded up (Image: John Davies)