Watford’s “oldest pub” has shut unexpectedly while it searches for a new landlord.

The One Crown in High Street, where a pub was first registered over 200 years ago, has closed today (August 28) after the previous manager is understood to have left the business.

It is believed the closure will only last a few days until a replacement is found, although that has not been officially confirmed by the owners.

Update: The One Crown is set to reopen under new management at 2pm tomorrow (August 31).

The Own Crown shut this afternoon.The Own Crown shut this afternoon. (Image: Newsquest)

​Photos show it was shut around an hour after being due to open this afternoon, and the closure was not advertised on the premises or social media.

It is believed to be the town’s oldest public house as a landlord was first registered there in 1756, according to Watford Museum, although it is not the longest continuously run pub in the area.

The pub was shut an hour ahead it was due to open this afternoon.The pub was shut an hour ahead it was due to open this afternoon. (Image: Newsquest)

Watford Museum archivist Christine Orchard previously explained the drinking hole's historic status to the Watford Observer: "In 1756 Jeremiah Friend, who owned the building, was recorded as being the landlord and this may be when the pub first opened.

"The building itself, which is nationally listed, is much older and parts dates back to the 16th century.”

The One Crown is thought to be the town's oldest drinking hole.The One Crown is thought to be the town's oldest drinking hole. (Image: Newsquest)