Heineken has announced it will reopen a Watford pub that closed suddenly sooner than expected.

The Estcourt Arms, in St Johns Road, was boarded up after its landlords left in November last year, stating that “situations behind the scenes being out of our hands” and personal reasons made it “the right time for us to step away from the bar”.

It is owned by the beer company’s subsidiary Star Pubs & Bars, which refurbished the location and began a search for a new operator to take it over in January.

This afternoon (June 11), a spokesperson said: “We’re pleased to say The Estcourt Arms in Watford should be reopening this weekend and welcoming back customers to this popular community pub.

“At the same time, we’re also continuing to plan for the pub’s future and are looking to recruit an operator on a long-term contract who can help drive trade and build a live entertainment programme and live sports at the pub.

“Anyone interested can visit www.starpubs.co.uk or contact our recruitment team on 08085 949596.”

The Estcourt Arms while it was boarded up.The Estcourt Arms while it was boarded up. (Image: Stephen Danzig)