Back to school – at the pub! New family business opens at The Hollybush in Redbourn
August 15, 2016
Graeme and Gordon Dickens outside the Hollybush, Redbourn
Books with your beer, anyone? A father and son team are restoring a Victorian schoolhouse in the grounds of The Hollybush in Redbourn when they take over at the pub later this month.
The Dickens family will be reopening the Church End pub, owned by Brakspear, on Friday 19 August, and father Gordon will be refurbishing the schoolhouse as a centre for individually tailored tutoring sessions delivered by Tutor Doctor – the tuition service that Gordon has been running for several years.
Son Graeme has worked as a teacher and tutor, but also has extensive hospitality experience, having worked in pubs in both Bedford and Hemel Hempstead. And, keeping the new business a family affair, the pub’s new sous chef is Jess, partner to another of Gordon’s sons, Steven.
Gordon explains, “The pub was built in the grounds of St Mary’s Church sometime in the 18th century, and the schoolhouse was added at least 100 years later. It would have taken up to 30 children, all ages together in one room.
“We think it’s fitting that we’re restoring the link between the two buildings, and offering two key services to the local community. Graeme is really looking forward to running The Hollybush and together, we will build a new family business that combines our skills in hospitality and education”
The Hollybush will continue as a traditional pub, offering local people a selection of great Brakspear ales and tasty pub food, available seven days a week. There will also be a new children’s menu, the beer garden will become more family-friendly and the pub’s wine selection will also be expanded.
Interior renovations in the School Room will begin immediately, in time for the start of the new academic year in September and it will be used for one-to-one and small group tuition, as well as for social events for pub customers.
The Hollybush, Church End, Redbourn AL3 7DU
Tel: 01582 792433