Star lease takes Aim Pubs to eight venues
The Haslam Family has taken on a Star Pubs lease for The Plough in Elstree.
An East Anglia-based pub company will soon be overseeing eight venues through an expansion into Hertfordshire.
Multiple operators Aim Pubs, also known as The Haslam Family, has taken on a Star Pubs lease for The Plough in Elstree, which is thought to be Alfred Hitchcock’s favourite pub. It is the group's third site with Star Pubs and brings its estate to eight.
The family has started a £1m six-month refurbishment of The Plough, with financial backing from Star Pubs. The plan is for the venue to reopen in spring 2026.
Elstree’s only pub, The Plough had been closed for nine years. Previously it operated as an Italian restaurant called Kiss Kiss, and before that as a Chinese restaurant called East.
The refurbishment will see it revert to a pub and reinstate its original name.
"We’re looking forward to giving the Elstree community a pub once again," says new operator Steve Haslam. "This is our first foray towards London. We still have ambitions to grow our estate further, but our plans will be dependent on how the government treats hospitality and that means being serious about the tax burden, lowering VAT like they have in Ireland and replacing outdated business rates.
"We would like to look at further pubs, creating more jobs and supporting local communities, but until the government makes moves to support the industry, we’re unlikely to expand further."
What's the Plough plan?
The project will enlarge The Plough’s interior by 25%, creating a bar area with seating; a former stable with seating for 25, which will be available for private dining; and a restaurant seating 35 overlooking the garden.
The exterior is being completely overhauled with seating for 400. A large outdoor deck is being built with four six-seater pods. There will also be an outside bar and loos, a large fenced-off children’s play area, cinema and additional carpark with two electric car chargers.
"The Plough is in a fantastic location, near open parks, the train station, the local business park and Borehamwood town centre, so will be a welcome addition," says Nick Paul, Star Pubs investment manager. "The Haslam family lease a number of pubs from us in East Anglia and extensive experience of turning around pubs and creating wonderful environments for people to socialise in. I have no doubt they will do so again with The Plough and that it will be transformational for The Elstree community."
Star Pubs is part of Heineken UK. The vast majority of its 2,400 pubs are leased out to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Around 200 pubs operate on its Just Add Talent model.
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