Kings Walden's Plough Pub celebrates lucrative opening month

On Saturday, August 11, 500 drinkers attended the reopening of The Plough, King's Walden, following a ‘six-figure’ refurbishment.

The success has continued, as the pub made 61 per cent of its entire 2023 revenue in August alone.

The future of the pub 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.

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

Pub owner, Adam Nicholl told the BBC: We feel like we've saved a piece of England. (Image: Adam Nicholl) Now owner, Adam described the "bruising journey" to open its doors and the "hard work and imagination" it has required to retain its success.

He said: "We have proved that the pub is viable and that there is an appetite for it in the local area.

"I think it's a gem in the countryside and has the best view of any pubs in Herts."

Since the grand reopening, the pub has appeared on the BBC, in CAMRA's Pint's of view and featured in a academic paper from the University of Leicester.

Drinkers enjoy the best view in Herts at The Plough. (Image: Adam Nicholls)The Plough also hosts frequent live music and food trucks including Chef's Larder and Smash Pizza which "get bums on seats", according to Adam.

By the end of the year, the landlord hopes to serve his own food as the application process continues.

Adam added: "I suppose I had a dream for the pub and it's been realised, I feel like it's a symbol of success with the right approach and attitude."

The pub holds a classic car event featuring hundreds of vintage vehicles and is now the "natural home" for the church fete.

The classic car show has become a monthly occurence at The Plough. (Image: Adam Nicholl) On Google, the pub is rated 4.4/5 with rave reviews from punters. 

One said: "Always made to feel very welcome. The new landlady is very accommodating, I think she is going to be very good for the pub."

While another commented: "New refurbished pub and soooooo much better than the old, a  pleasant place to be for a quiet drink, will defo visit more than before."