A £600,000 "top-to-toe revamp" is planned to reopen a pub after a seven-year closure.

East in Elstree High Street will see refurbishment work once a new licensee has been recruited, according to Heineken subsidiary and pub owner Star Pubs & Bars.

The work is planned for this year, with some interest in taking the building over apparently already coming in.

Watford Observer: The East ElstreeThe East Elstree (Image: Star Pubs & Bars)

Before closing, it had operated as an Italian restaurant called Kiss Kiss, a Chinese restaurant called East or East Elstree, and a pub called The Plough.

The company’s “extensive plans” aim to transform the boarded-up premises into a “premium local and a great destination food pub with a reputation for quality food and cask ales”.

Work will also see the name revert to The Plough as it becomes “a proper pub” again with new signage, lighting, and an overall “top-to-toe revamp”, it added.

Star Pubs & Bars' investment manager, Matt Cornwell, said: “We are keen to give the village back its pub this year and for it to be a top quality one with a reputation for great food and drink that will attract customers from surrounding towns and villages.”

A full redecoration of the interior is planned, with the furniture set to be replaced to create an “upmarket, stylish modern country look and feel”.

The layout would be changed to allow for functions as well as day-to-day operation. There will be a split trading area and a lounge, while a year-round garden area will seat 142 people.

The bar, kitchen and toilet facilities are also set for upgrades and the extended kitchen will be used to produce a menu focused around pub classics and specials.

More information on leasing the pub here

Watford Observer: Star Pubs & Bars' Investment Manager Matt Cornwell Star Pubs & Bars' Investment Manager Matt Cornwell (Image: Star Pubs & Bars)

“The Plough is in a fantastic location, near open park areas and lakes,” Mr Cornwell added.

“It is also close to the train station, Borehamwood town centre and the local business park and so has a great catchment area.”

Watford Observer: Star Pubs & Bars' Investment Manager Matt CornwellStar Pubs & Bars' Investment Manager Matt Cornwell (Image: Star Pubs & Bars)

“With a total of 242 covers including the garden and the potential for year-round trading, The Plough offers its new licensee real potential.

"We have some interest in the pub already.”