Watford’s oldest pub has reopened on reduced hours while the search for a new landlord continues.

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

The Own Crown shut unexpectedly last week.The Own Crown shut unexpectedly last week. (Image: Newsquest)

Today (September 5) a pub spokesperson confirmed it reopened on Saturday with temporary staff, while interviews are ongoing to find a new landlord, which should take two weeks.

Where it was previously open from midday everyday, The One Crown will now trade from 4pm to 11pm Monday to Thursday, and all day from 12pm on Fridays and the weekend.

The closure was not advertised in the window or on social media.The closure was not advertised in the window or on social media. (Image: Newsquest) The spokesperson confirmed the reduced hours came as part of a review of early afternoon trade for the pub.

The sudden closure shocked many as it was not advertised on the premises or social media, with many regulars voicing sadness online. 

One wrote: "Fingers crossed it finds a new landlord, such a lovely pub!"

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.