When one of Watford’s best-loved pubs shut its doors for the last time in May 2016, it marked the end of an era.

Campaigners battled to save The One Bell in Watford High Street – a real favourite with residents, shoppers, and football fans.

Since its closure, the signs on the pub have come down and the boards have gone partially up.

But it may not be too long before the Grade II listed black and white building is brought back to life.

We have known for some time the pub itself will be converted into a restaurant, with flats on the side.

Watford Observer:

The One Bell pub closed in 2016. This is the building pictured now

Now thanks to some drawings on Watford Borough Council’s planning portal, we know that the restaurant lined up for the One Bell will be Taco Bell – an American chain specialising in Mexican food like burritos, tacos, nachos, and quesadillas.

Taco Bell already has 40 existing restaurants in the UK, the closest being in Colindale in north London.

Watford Observer:

The One Bell pub when it was still open

The signage will need to be approved by Watford Borough Council.

A spokesperson for Taco Bell told us they were not ready to share further details about its new restaurant in Watford so we don’t know yet when we can expect it to open to the public.

See the planning application on the council's website here.