Ley Hill: The Crown pub gets makeover before opening

Sandra and Rob Dorsett, the new licensees of The Crown in Ley Hill, are bucking the trend of pub closures by reopening the village pub after it suddenly closed in the summer.

However, for a while, the villagers were uncertain if the pub’s owner Star Pubs and Bars would find anyone to take over the popular establishment.

Now Sandra, Rob and a team of volunteers from the village are giving The Crown the final touches before the grand reopening on Saturday September 30.

Sandra said: “We’re decorating, cleaning like mad and just sorting out. When a pub closes you are never quite sure what you will find.”

Sandra thanked estate agent Daniel Hemsley for help with the new banner (Image: Sandra Dorsett)

With the exception of a flood in the cellar due to heavy rain, the pub itself wasn’t in “too bad” of a state, she said.

“We’ve had such a good response, lots of people have contacted me even if they cannot come in to help, saying they will bring the family. When you have a village pub if you support the village, they support you,” she said.

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Born and raised Chesham resident Sandra was a regular at The Crown before asking for a job there four years ago. 

"It's got some lovely regulars and patrons who come in and out," she said. 

The pub will have a doggy station with treats, water, blankets and towels for the furry visitors.

Although there will be a new drinks and food menu, The Crown will remain “traditional” and not become a gastropub, Sandra said.  

“Of course we are allowing small children, we have our own children. A pub is for everybody, you have to include everyone," Sandra, who has one grandchild, added.