The UK’s largest pub company says it sees Watford as “an area that is on the up” as it reopens nearby pubs.

Stonegate Group has been putting out adverts for new operators to run several pubs in and around Watford this year, including refurbishing and reopening beloved locations such as The Horns (now Avabar).

Nationally, the number of pub closures increased to 80 per month over the first three months of 2024, up by 51 per cent compared with the same period last year, according to official government data for England and Wales.

But the company’s activity suggests there are reasons to be cheerful for Watford’s punters and that pubs can still be brought back from closure.

“As part of Stonegate Group's commitment to position every site for success, investing in our pubs and ensuring our guests have the best experience possible is always a goal we strive for,” a spokesperson said.

“With a thriving town centre, award-winning parks, and a successful football team, we see Watford as an area that is on the up and with opportunities recently arising to open venues in the area, it was an easy choice for the business to make.

Inside Avabar after £190,000 renovations this year.Inside Avabar after £190,000 renovations this year. (Image: Newsquest)

“We believe there is a lot of optimism around the beloved Great British pub, which is why we are investing £5.5million across 20 sites in September alone and will continue to invest wisely in communities such as Watford.”

The firm currently has adverts online for someone to take over the Dick Whittington in South Oxhey and the Fox and Hounds in Rickmansworth when outgoing operators leave.

It has already reopened the former Horns building, in Hempstead Road, after it closed in April this year and The Halfway House, in Uxbridge Road, Rickmansworth, is next on the agenda after it closed in May.

The Halfway House, Rickmansworth. The Halfway House, Rickmansworth. (Image: Google Street View)

The spokesperson added: “An investment we are particularly excited about is The Halfway House on Uxbridge Road in Rickmansworth which we are pleased to be reopening in the coming weeks, where the new publican is excited to welcome guests and showcase the hard work we have been doing behind the scenes.”

Last week, Stonegate confirmed it was looking for a new operator to reopen The Oaks in Old Uxbridge Road, Rickmansworth.

Most recently operated as The Oaks Turkish Kitchen, the venue has been vacant since it was served with a temporary closure notice for nuisance or disorder in June.

The Oaks, West Hide.The Oaks, West Hyde. (Image: Google Street View)

Other Watford pubs it operates include The Cother Arms, Walkabout, Slug and Lettuce, and The Rifle Volunteer.

In April, the company denied rumours that any of its venues were at risk as a result of its refinancing process.