Recently-closed Rushden pub set to re-open under new ownership this week

Following its surprise closure on September 2, the King Edward VII in Rushden will welcome customers back through its doors at its official relaunch on October 11.

Rob Herbert and Horris Smith are the new owners of King Edward VII. They said: “We were approached by the current owners as they had heard how we turned around the Hare and Hounds in Great Addington.

"Our current venue has a wonderful reputation and a lot of five star glowing reviews for service and the quality of our locally sourced, freshly prepared food. They were keen that the building was taken over by somebody who felt strongly about keeping the property as a pub for its local residence and its surrounding community."

And writing on the pub’s Facebook page, he added: “The changes in the pub are taking shape nicely, the new menu is almost finalised and everything seems to be on track for re-opening next [this coming] Friday.

“We are so excited about the relaunch and hope you’ll like what we’ve done.”

The new owners are hoping to retain most of the existing interior, however note that returning customers should expect ‘quite a difference’ from how the pub looked prior to its closure.

Rob Herbert was the man behind La Luna and the Blue Room in Wellingborough, a short-lived venture which hoped to ‘set a standard’ with its upmarket aesthetic. It was later passed on to a new owner, and has since closed.

More recently, he has taken on The Hare and Hounds in Great Addington, which was handed a Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award last week, and hopes to bring ‘that level of quality and service to the King Edward and the community that surrounds it.’

The opening will be marked with live music from Northampton-based singer Hannah Faulkner from 7.30pm.

A day after its relaunch, an all-new food menu will be available, including pub classics like fish and chips, scampi and ‘pie of the week’ as well as small plates, a selection of desserts and a dedicated kids menu.