A popular St Albans pub has reopened its doors under new management following a two-year closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Verulam, on Lower Dagnall Street, invited customers back for the first time at 5pm on Wednesday, December 7.

READ MORE

The pub was formerly known as The Foragers, prior to becoming the Rabbit Hole. 

Shortly after its reopening, The Herts Advertiser visited the establishment, and spoke with the pub's general manager Charlotte Mitchell.

Herts Advertiser: The Verulam, with snow outside.The Verulam, with snow outside. (Image: Pearce Bates)

Speaking of the changes that have been made to the pub, Charlotte said: "We (The Morgan Pub Collective) acquired it a couple of months ago and have done a lot of internal work to the building, decorating, and taking it back to being a traditional British pub again.

Herts Advertiser: Traditional English pub décor has been installed at the premises. Traditional English pub décor has been installed at the premises. (Image: Pearce Bates)

"I think this pub has a real local community around it that's very close-knit.

"Lots of people have come in and said that they live down the road or next door.

"There are a lot of pubs per capita in St Albans, but I think that this has got a really prime position for the school and for the local people around it."

Herts Advertiser: A quirky and traditional feel has been achieved.A quirky and traditional feel has been achieved. (Image: Pearce Bates)

Asked what makes this pub unique in a city with no shortage of pubs, Charlotte continued: "I just think it's the tradition.

"It's not fancy and over-pretentious it is a pub that does food, and it does food and drink well.

Herts Advertiser: Despite recently reopening, the pub is already decorated for Christmas.Despite recently reopening, the pub is already decorated for Christmas. (Image: Pearce Bates)

"That's what we want to be, we are a local pub for local people."

Previous pubs on the premises had brewed their own beer, but Charlotte believes that supporting local breweries is more important at this time.

She added: "Our owner (Dick Morgan), his son owns Big Smoke.

Herts Advertiser: A number of tables and a pizza oven are located outside.A number of tables and a pizza oven are located outside. (Image: Pearce Bates)

"So we have some of his beers on, but we are very much going to stick to supporting the breweries, supporting independant breweries and just rotating through lines.

"We have 20 on keg and eight on cask, so there's usually six beers and two ciders."

Lastly asked what the pub's plans for the future were, Charlotte replied simply: "Getting it open, and doing it well."