04 Jun 2025
Welcome to The Old Toll House – the new venture replacing the former Rat’s Castle after a six week refurbishment.
Named after the turnpike toll house that once stood on the site, it opens its doors at 4pm tomorrow (Thursday) with Tim
Skinner running the pub on behalf of Star Pubs.
The extensive makeover has spruced up the pub’s exterior with new paintwork, signage and lighting. The rear courtyard is now an attractive alfresco spot decked out with smart new furniture seating 40 customers, parasols, pretty planting and a TV.
Changes inside include new furniture, carpets and soft furnishings as well as an overhaul of the toilets.
The Old Toll House has a spacious bar with a retro juke box, comfortable lounge areas with large booths that can be reserved for gatherings, a new pool table and two league standard halo darts boards with electronic scoring.
There is also a state-of-the-art AV system with eight high-definition TVs that will show Sky Q and TNT Sports and can also screen pub darts tournaments.
Rather than focus on food, The Old Toll House will focus on offering an extensive drinks selection, from cocktails and Prosecco to premium soft drinks and a wide range of beers and ciders.
Various activities are planned to put The Old Toll House back at the heart of the community, including an evening quiz, regular entertainment such as DJs and live music, sports screenings and pool and darts teams. The pub will also provide space for charities and good causes to hold meetings and fundraisers.
Tim said: “There’s been lots of interests in the plans. The transformation is amazing; The Old Toll House looks fantastic. The whole team is excited and can’t wait to welcome
everyone and show them their new look local.”
Dan Hayward, Star Pubs’ area manager for St Albans added: “The improvements will enable The Old Toll House to thrive for the long term. The refurbishment has created lots more reasons to visit the pub and broadened its appeal so that there’s something for everyone.”
