Tring’s Kings Arms is the winner! Pub in the pink after public vote

Rob Muirhead took over The Kings Arms in Tring’s King Street in January last year and has clearly already made an impact on his punters – who nominated in their numbers to win the tavern’s title in our hotly-contested vote.

Rob, who runs the pub with backing from parents Cheryl and Ian, was born in Tring and has worked in inns around the Dacorum area for most of his life. Rob says once the venue with the fuschia facade came up for sale, the family thought it was too good an opportunity to miss.

The 34 year old, who has also worked for the Savoy hotel group as well as at th bar in Tring’s Pendley Manor, said: “It’s a fantastic feeling to win Bar of the Year, and it comes alongside the one year anniversary of when we bought the pub.

“We always knew we were taking on a good business but the response we’ve had from locals to our changes – in terms of improvements and taking the food up to the next level – has been great.

“Our beer festival in August was so busy and we had an incredible Christmas – it’s been one success story after another!”

Rob has also incorporated charity fundraisers into the Kings Arms’ annual calendar, having raised hundreds of pounds for the Chilterns MS Centre with Easter egg raffles and pumpkin carving at Halloween.

The almost two-centuries-old pub also has an exciting future to look forward to under the Muirheads’ tenure – with ambitious plans to transform the unused stable block at the back of the building into a garden bar and restaurant.

The facility could even be used for functions including wedding receptions. The scheme will help create more room for casual drinkers as well as diners at the pub.

Rob said: “We are at heart a real ale, community pub – having this new building will allow more space for diners as well as those who want to sit down and have a drink. It’s a massive project that could take two or three months, but it will give us an ideal location in the centre of Trings for parties and weddings.”

Visit kingsarmstring.co.uk or call 01442 823318 for more on the Kings Arms.

Tring taverns did well in the Bar of the Year contest with The Robin Hood Inn coming second in the public vote.

Hemel Hempstead’s The Olde King’s Arms and The Rising Sun in Berkhamsted came joint third – so big congratulations to the top flight!