The Rats Castle pub in St Albans to close for refurbishment, reopening as a sports pub under a new name in June.
Lisa, the current landlady, is leaving after nine years. She posted on Facebook about the May 10 closure. The keys will go back on May 12. Reopening should be mid to late June.
Lisa offered to help the new owners and hopes everyone welcomes them. She met them and liked them instantly. She’s happy to move on after nine years.
Saying goodbye will be emotional for Lisa. Carling’s Star Pubs owns the pub franchise. They found a new tenant and planned a costly upgrade.
Star Pubs wants to revive the local pub. They told The Herts Advertiser about their plans. The pub will focus more on sports.
The refurbishment will happen in 2025. The pub will hold 90 people inside and seat 24 people outside. They will add a “SmartDispense” system which makes for great beer and cider.
There’s a new drinks menu with deals on shots. They sell cocktails, wines, beers, and spirits. The pub will only sell drinks as well.
The new name might honor the old toll house. Before “Rats Castle”, the toll house was there. Some say rats once lived in the pub.