Victoria Collins MP opens The Holly Bush in Potters Crouch
Scott McLaughlin takes over at the helm, with plans to delight his customers with exquisite dishes in a warm and welcoming environment
Local MP Victoria Collins was on hand to celebrate the reopening of The Holly Bush in Potters Crouch, St Albans, yesterday [12 February 2026]. The pub has been closed for over a year and has now been brought back to its beautiful best with a new Tenant at the helm – Scott McLaughlin. Victoria pulled the first pint in the new look pub – which opens formally to the general public tomorrow [Saturday 14 February] at 12.00.
The Holly Bush is a classic country gem which was constructed in the 17th Century. Prior to its reopening, Fuller’s invested £180k to bring the Grade II listed building back to its original splendour, including the addition of two new wood burners and substantial investment in the pub’s kitchen. Some elements of the pub that locals and visitors will remember have remained in place – like its elegant crystal glassware – and there will be more new features to come, with work planned to improve the pub’s garden, when the weather permits.
The pub is set to benefit from the arrival of Scott McLaughlin – a classically trained chef with 20 years’ experience in hospitality – who takes over as the pub’s new Tenant. Scott specialises in French cuisine, as well as woodfired cookery. He has worked in several well-known restaurants in London and Hertfordshire, including the legendary Langan’s Brasserie. He is aiming to creating a rustic dining experience that will nourish the soul with exceptional versions of traditional classics.
Victoria Collins MP said: “I’m delighted to be here today to reopen this beautiful pub. The cost pressures the hospitality sector has been under recently are well documented, so to be reopening a pub is very special. The Holly Bush looks fantastic and with Scott at the helm, I am sure it is going to be very popular.
“When a pub closes, it’s not only the loss of a business, but a loss to the wider community. Pubs provide food, warmth and company to many who need it. The Holly Bush is looking fantastic, and I am sure Scott will be rebuilding that community spirit too.”
Scott McLaughlin said: “I am just so delighted to be opening The Holly Bush – I was bowled over by its charm. I’ve spent a long time in restaurants – but a pub is something so special. I am excited to be bringing my food to St Albans and to be putting the heart back into the local community. I also plan to make The Holly Bush famous for having the best coffee in St Albans. It’s from hand-selected beans chosen by me and the team at The Holly Bush.
“I want to make The Holly Bush a pub for everyone. Whether you are popping in for a pint, or coming for a three-course meal, I intend to make sure my customers always have a fantastic experience. I promise the pub will be warm in the winter and, in the summer, we will have the most fantastic garden for our customers to enjoy.
“I can’t wait to start to meet and greet the local community. They may start as customers, but I hope we will soon be friends.”
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The Holly Bush
Potters Crouch, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL2 3NN
Tel: 01727 229146
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.hollybushstalbans.co.uk
For further information, please contact the press office:
Georgina Wald 020 8996 2198 [email protected]
Alice Monteath 020 8996 2074 [email protected]
Fuller’s in a nutshell:
Fuller, Smith & Turner PLC is a premium pubs and hotels business. With an outstanding estate of iconic pubs and hotels across the Southern half of England, our purpose is to create experiences that nourish the soul. At our heart is the warm and inviting welcome of a fantastic pub or hotel, delivered by an exceptional team of over 5,000 talented individuals. We have been delighting our customers – with delicious, fresh, seasonal food, an exciting drinks range, and wonderful bedrooms – for over 180 years. Fuller’s has 184 Managed Pubs and Hotels, with 1,011 bedrooms and 153 Tenanted Inns, all aiming to ensure that everyone leaves that little bit happier than they arrived.