A beloved pub near St Albans has begun offering free private venue hire to give back to the community.

The Holly Bush at Potters Crouch is giving customers the opportunity to use its space for free for weddings, funeral and parties after hosting them for over 18 years.

The front of the historic Holly Bush pub.The front of the historic Holly Bush pub. (Image: The Holly Bush) For landlord Vanessa Williams the change to no fees was a long time in the making, and with 2024 its busiest ever year, there was no time like the present.

Vanessa said: "I was born in the pub and always wanted to make it into the number one event venue in Herts!

"The cost of everything has become so colossal too and people want a deal, it would be nice to give back to the local community."

The 43-year-old described the pub as a "blank canvas" for customers as they only provide alcohol, allowing hosts to hire their own caterers and marquees if they wish to.

An event held in The Holly Bush pub garden.An event held in The Holly Bush pub garden. (Image: The Holly Bush) (Image: The Holly Bush) For their regular punters, Vanessa ensured that the pub would still remain open for normal business hours serving food and drink they "know and love."

"The communities support has always meant the world to us, and we hope they'll join us in this new chapter for The Holly Bush," the landlord added.

One testimonial said: "A lovely pub run by a lovely owner - Vanessa and the team pulled out all the stops for our wedding. They went above and beyond to ensure we had the best day. Nothing was too much trouble. We will be forever grateful to this wonderful pub."

The new deal has already proved a hit, with over twenty bookings since it was announced earlier this week.

Customers are required to pay a £500 deposit (which is refundable) and must host at least 50 guests to qualify for the deal.

The 17th century pub is closed Monday and Tuesday but open Wednesday through Friday midday to 3pm and 6pm to 10.30pm. It is also open on Saturday midday to 10.30pm and Sunday, midday until 5pm.

More information can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheHBPubor or by calling 01727 851792.