Bricket Wood: The Old Fox to reopen after eight years shut

One of Herts' quirkiest free houses is to reopen next year after an eight year planning dispute.

The ancient Old Fox in Bricket Wood shut in 2017 when it was sold, becoming a dilapidated landmark and earmarked for a new residential build.

The current state of The Old Fox pub in Bricket Wood. (Image: Graham Newson) Multiple attempts to secure "change of use permission" were rejected by planning officials who agreed with St Stephen Parish Council that the building should be safeguarded as a viable community asset.

In the last few weeks, Danny and Julie Harding have decided “to give something back to the community” by buying the inn.

Danny and Julie Harding are bringing back The Old Fox. (Image: Graham Newson)The Old Fox is at the end of the mile long cul-de-sac School Lane which cuts through Bricket Wood common. But its remoteness attracted dog walkers, cyclists, ramblers, those on horseback, and even Morris men and clog dancers.

Julie, 62, and Danny, 59, have a vision of how the pub can, and will, be transformed with "major refurbishment" planned.

Danny said: “With the right atmosphere, the right people, the right prices and a commitment to quality and service I am sure the business will thrive.

“The people of Bricket Wood have proved in the past that the pub is worthy of their custom. And they will almost certainly prove it again.

“This is an exciting opportunity to revive a village landmark that has survived generations. It is our chance to give something back to the community.”

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Danny and Julie Harding outside the current site. (Image: Graham Newson) The couple plan to make The Old Fox a free house serving a range of food, and run a horse tack shop in the large plot to the rear of the property.

The Hardings have teamed up with Peter Dillingham, landlord of the Black Boy in Bricket Wood and the former coaching inn The Saracen’s Head in King’s Langley, using his ‘buying power’ and skills as a free house licensee.

Danny said the current site is "destroyed" and looks like a "set from a horror movie" but with hard work expects The Old Fox to reopen in late spring or early summer.

An old picture of The Old Fox, Bricket Wood. (Image: Graham Newson)