King's Walden: The Plough's successful reopening after major refurb

The future of The Plough, King's Walden, was in jeopardy last year. Its previous owner, the Admiral Taverns group, submitted a planning application in July 2023 to North Herts Council to convert the tavern into a house following its closure.

Since then, villagers have fought back.

Led by Adam Nicoll, campaigners objected the planning application and worked with the Pilkington Farm Partnership to purchase and reopen the pub.

This bid was successful as in May, with the support of former MP for Hitchin and Harpenden, Bim Afolami, the Pilkington Farm Partnership bought the pub and began the refurbishing process.

A grand reopening on Saturday, August 11, saw The Plough take 10 per cent of last year's revenue in one day and offered the best taking for 15 years.

John Wicks and two of the youngest customers, Edith Nicoll (on the right) and Charlie Tuppence Gardner (Image: Adam Nicoll) The ribbon was cut by one of the longest-serving customers of The Plough, John Wicks, and two of the youngest customers, Edith Nicoll and Charlie Tuppence Gardner.

The new-look pub offers live music, wedding receptions and 12 different taps of beer as well as non-alcoholic and gluten free options.

Adam Nicoll, operations manager at The Plough, said: “The goal was to sort the pub out, to reveal its secrets and its history, whilst giving customers the right drink, in the right glasses, in the right setting.

“It was emotionally overwhelming; it took 11 weeks of hard work day and night to reach our summer deadline.”

The team at The Plough happily welcome customers back (Image: Adam Nicoll)

The cash injection funded upgrades to two-acre grounds, a new 40 square metre pagoda and a children’s games shed with table football and giant chess.

Adam believes that it has maintained its ‘character’ despite the modern refurbishments.

At the reopening, one customer said: "This place is the beating heart of our village and I'm so glad it's been saved and made so much better than ever.

"I very much look forward to the classic car events and the pub's iconic fireworks display in such wonderful surroundings."

The Plough, King's Walden (Image: Adam Nicolls) Upcoming events include a classic car meet on Wednesday, August 28, the World Conker championships in October and Fireworks night Saturday, November 2.

You can find out more about The Plough at facebook.com/groups/305475645653696/about.