Three Horseshoes pub in Spellbrook that was closed after Storm Ciarán flood in line for refurb
A brewery chain is seeking planning permission for a major refurbishment of Spellbrook’s historic thatched pub which has been shut since suffering severe damage by floodwater five months ago.
The interior of the grade II listed Three Horseshoes in Spellbrook Lane East was seen on a video posted on Facebook under several inches of water after Storm Ciarán hit the South East on the night of November 1-2.
The pub and Chef & Brewer restaurant has been closed ever since and residents have been questioning when – and whether – it will reopen.
Now, Suffolk-based brewer Greene King has submitted a planning application to East Herts Council (EHC), which was considered for comments by Sawbridgeworth Town Council’s planning committee on Monday (April 15). Members raised no objection to the plans.
The refurbishment scheme includes alterations to the flooring inside the pub, replacement of windows, removal of partition walls and installation of new ones plus doors.
Outside, fencing around the yard area will be replaced, the eastern end of the car park will be ‘formalised’, part of its surfacing will be replaced with block paving and gravel, and a shed will be removed. Four electric vehicle charging points will also be installed.
New hard surfacing, raised planting and planted beds will form part of the exterior landscaping, along with the installation of a timber pergola, fixed seating areas and green oak timber arches with climbing plants.
The building dates back to the 16th century. Originally a Tudor farmhouse, it was strategically sited on the road from London to Cambridge and close to the river.
A spokesperson for Greene King said: “Unfortunately, due to significant water damage from the flood last year, the Three Horseshoes remains closed until further notice.
“We will keep our customers updated once we have more information on our plans for the pub, and would like to thank everyone who has sent through messages of support.”
