Owners will "miss pub terribly" as they confirm takeover (From This Is Local London)

Owners of Waggon and Horses, Elstree, will "miss pub terribly" as they confirm takeover

5:20pm Wednesday 27th June 2012 in Where I Live By Katie Dolamore

Owners of an Elstree pub say they will "miss it terribly" after spending five years in the well-loved establishment.

Current Landlords of the Waggon and Horses, Darren Drummond and Rob Morley, confirmed there will be a takeover next week, following advice to sell from the pub’s brewery, Enterprise Inns.

Thirty-five year-old Darren says he is uncertain what will happen to the popular Watling Street pub.

He told the Borehamwood and Elstree Times "it is the end of an era" and says he is sorry to have to leave.

One person who will certainly miss the pub is Sarit, 35, who has used the pub as a base to run a local charitable organisation, Club Sandwich.

Sarit started the monthly sandwich-making club for the homeless at her house. As the club grew, she moved it to the pub, where the landlords have supported her free of charge for the past two years.

She said of the landlords: “They’ve supported us from the word go. They have restored my faith in humanity.

“In these difficult economic times, it’s very difficult to find people like them."

She added: "The atmosphere in the pub is always so warm and homely. We’ve not just built up a rapport – we’ve built up a friendship. They will be sorely missed.”

Sarit and her team of 15 to 20 volunteers held their last club there last Sunday, June 24. They do not yet have another site lined up, but hope to find another pub as "welcoming" as The Waggon and Horses.

Mr Brummond and Mr Morley have hosted a number of other charity events over the years, including an annual summer music event for local families.

The Waggon and Horses’ building was built as a cottage in 1471, and was later converted into a town pub.

It was heavily refurbished more recently to restore its fifteenth-century style and character.

The Waggon and Horses is popular among locals for its traditional features, which include oak beams, solid English oak bar, and an open wood fire.

Mr Brummond added that he would love to thank all his customers and everyone who has supported him over the years.