Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St Albans, said to be Britain’s oldest pub, is to reopen on Monday, 4 April, after its closure was announced in February by “heartbroken” landlord Christo Tofalli in the face of rising costs.

Former manager Martin Robinson is now the licensee, flanked by chefs Ian Baulsh and Sam Walker. The trio have ambitious plans for the Michells & Butlers-owned pub, including new food menus and a summer music festival.

Martin said: “I have worked here for 12 years as the manager so I have a clear vision of how to ensure the future success of this pub. Ian has been head chef for the past eight years and is excited to share the pub’s new menus and his food strategy going forward. Sam brings a talent for aesthetics and design which will help us to enhance our customer experience, while retaining all the wonderful features of its rich history.”

The pub traces its history back to the year 793 – although it is impossible to prove continuous operation that far back into the Dark Ages.