While hundreds of boozers around the country have been closed recently, there has been some good news in Watford.

The following five pubs and bars have launched and returned, or had their construction or reopening confirmed, this year.

The list includes traditional pubs, bar-restaurants, and new ideas as the market changes.

Avabar

(Image: Newsquest)

The former The Horns pub, in Hempstead Road, reopened as Avabar in June with a whole new look and more of a focus on food, while preserving the live-music-based identity.

It offers a Brazilian-inspired food menu, drinks including wines, beers, and cocktails.

Jardin

(Image: Newsquest)

Jardin opened in the former Colombia Press unit in The Parade, serving authentic Mexican dishes and mezcal cocktails, in July.

Later in the evening, it leans more into its identity as a bar- with visitors able to enjoy a DJ booth and dance floor at the back of the bar.

The Estcourt Arms

(Image: Google Street View)

The Estcourt Arms, in St Johns Road, was boarded up after its landlords left in November last year.

Although some feared for its long-term future as pubs closed across the country, it was refurbished from January and reopened with an improved interior in June.

The Halfway House

(Image: Google Street View)

The Halfway House, Rickmansworth, shut earlier this year and is currently receiving its own set of refurbishment works including redecoration and new carpets.

On Monday (August 19), a Stonegate Pub Group spokesperson said: “The Halfway House is currently closed whilst some essential maintenance works take place.

“The popular local hub has a new publican in place who is ready to take on the site and welcome back the local community in the coming weeks.”

The Old Station House

(Image: Watford Council planning portal/CESA Developments Limited/Nissen Richards.)

The Old Station House, between the railway line and Watford Cross development in St Albans Road, has been vacant for six years.

A planning application submitted in July revealed that there are plans to transform and extend the building and reopen it as a pub.

It would be run by Failte Ventures which has had success running similarly compact establishments (The Bricklayer’s Arms and Finley’s Wine Bar and Bottle Shop in Putney).