The former management of The Southern Cross have taken over a Watford pub following a refurbishment.
The Estcourt Tavern reopened over the weekend and is now under the stewardship of Steven Lang and his partner Melissa.
The couple ran The Southern Cross for about five years before it closed earlier this year.
Asked how the move came about, Steven said: "I have always preferred to run a sports pub and a community pub so when this came up it was perfect."
Following what Greene King described as a six-figure refurbishment, the Estcourt Road pub is back open for business with several new additions.
The new manager said: "We have two new electronic dartboards, a pool table and a completely new menu. I also think the prices of the drinks are a lot more reasonable."
- Southern Cross replacement to bring 'traditional pub atmosphere with Indian kitchen'
- Watford pub seeking new operator with six-figure refurb planned
He is delighted with the refurbishment, joking that it was exactly what he wanted at The Southern Cross.
A new food menu has been introduced and there is plenty in the pipeline for the coming weeks and months, including band nights, a weekly quiz, poker events and even a proposed board game night.
Special deals will be available when Watford FC play, with sport at the heart of the pub’s offering.
Asked why sport is so important, Steven said: "I think sport brings people together in a day and age when people don't really go out. Coming to the pub to watch football or play pool just gives people an excuse to get out of the house."
Asked about his plans, he said: "I think we will run it the same way as we did The Southern Cross, as a family pub with family values where everyone's welcome.
"If you have a good set of regulars, everyone feels welcome and we want to build a real community round here."
The pub is an area of town with plenty of competition - notably The Estcourt Arms a short walk away - but Steven is confident that the food offering will be what sets his apart.
He says that he has already had customers from The Southern Cross visit, having struggled to find a new regular haunt since the Langley Way venue was renamed Everest Southern Cross with a focus on Indian food.
After the weekend’s soft launch, the pub will hold its grand-opening party on Saturday.
Share