Avabar to open in former The Horns as photos show new look

The Hempstead Road venue will reopen as Avabar today, June 19, for a small “soft launch” for friends and family before the full opening event on Friday.

At the launch later this week, residents will be able to taste appetisers and soups from the new menu as well as prosecco and soft drinks upon arrival.

The grand reopening of Avabar will be this Friday, June 21. (Image: Watford Town Centre BID) Live band Elisangela Mahogany and Brazilian Vibes will also be performing from 6pm. 

The former Horns pub. (Image: Newsquest) The Horns closed for two months last autumn as the management said the pub was “completely unsustainable”.

• The Horns venue to keep live music as new bar's concept explained
• The Horns' sudden closure throws future back into doubt

A poster for the launch event this Friday. (Image: Avabar)

It reopened in December under new management for just four months before it unexpectedly shut its doors for good in April.

The owners have spent around £150,000 on refurbishing the venue. (Image: Watford Town Centre BID)

Avabar managing director Alessandro previously told The Watford Observer that he hopes regulars will embrace the new concept after around £150,000 was spent improving the venue.

Avabar's new sign. (Image: Watford Town Centre BID) “We’re trying to make it the best for the community to have somewhere nice to go," he added. “I can’t wait to open it up. It’s been a long project.”

It will retain the live music aspect that was key to The Horns’ identity as around £18,000 has been put towards a music set-up for bands, acoustic acts and DJs.