A PUB labelled a ‘community hub’ has reopened its doors, just two weeks after it mysteriously shut down amid rumours of falling trade.

The Crumpled Horn, at the Eldene centre, reopened yesterday, much to the delight of residents who say the pub has been greatly missed.

During the closure, the site was targeted by burglars.

But the owner of the building, Punch Taverns, said it was now open again after remedial work had been carried out.

The pub is now in the hands of the Tony Ross Holding Company and has a new manager, Frank Donoghue, from Wood Green, London.

The company is looking at taking out a long-term lease.

Steve Foulds, 38, of Eldene, worked behind the bar at the Crumpled Horn for 20 years, alongside his day job as a plasterer.

He says the pub is an important part of the community and he has promised to be there every night.

He said: “There are other pubs round here but none of the others have the great atmosphere that’s here.

“It’s been missed by a lot of people and I was really happy when I heard the news.

“It’s a local community pub – it’s what this place needs.”

And he spoke fondly of the team at the pub, where he started working in his teens.

“I miss working here, I miss the people,” he said. “There was a large team here and it’s the customers that make this place and what kept me working here.”

Steve hopes to get back behind the bar once the holding company gets a firm grip on the venue.

The Crumpled Horn closed on February 11 with Coun Derique Montaut (Lab, Liden, Eldene & Park South) saying the absence would damage the community.

Two days later it was broken into and the fruit machines were damaged.

Yesterday Coun Montaut said: “There needs to be a plan in place for the pub to continue.

“ It’s great the pub is open but for them to have longevity we need to know what’s going to be happening in the future.”