A Watford pub has been transformed ahead of reopening in two days.
The Oddfellows, in Fearnley Street, was boarded up in April this year and has remained closed since then while a new operator was selected, and a wide-ranging refurbishment took place from November.
The incoming operator, Thomas Leveridge, has now confirmed that the boozer will be serving customers again from Sunday (December 17).
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“The Oddfellows is a community friendly pub inviting all guests to come down and have a safe welcoming environment and a nice place to drink for the community,” the 23-year-old manager, who started working in hospitality as a glass wash aged 17, said.
“It’s had a complete inside and out transformation. It’s going to be more of a sports bar with live TVs on every wall and all of the channels.”
The pub will also have a “games room” upstairs with pool tables and more.
Around the corner from Vicarage Road, The Oddfellows has traditionally been the away pub, and this is set to continue before Watford FC's home games. However, immediately after weekend fixtures, it will line up live performances for home fans.
Other live performances will occur around twice a month and there will be a weekly pub quiz.
Mr Leveridge added: “We just want to welcome everyone in the community in with a smile, nice customer service, and a drink of their choice from the bar.”
The Oddfellows will not serve meals when it opens, although it may push to add this in the future, but will serve a wide variety of pub snacks.
It will be open from 12pm to 11pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm to 10pm on Sundays, opening an hour earlier for early home kick-offs.
The pub is owned by Heineken subsidiary Star Pubs and Bars. A spokesperson said: “We're pleased to say The Oddfellows, Watford is due to reopen pre-Christmas after undergoing an extensive refurbishment.
“The new manager and his staff look forward to welcoming back customers to the revamped pub which offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and a new outside seating area.”
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