THE Goldfinger Tavern reopening defies a trend of popular pubs suddenly closing their doors.

The Crumpled Horn in Eldene shut with no explanation in April and has fallen into disrepair since then, with an overgrown garden and graffiti on the walls.

Neighbours complained about smashed bottles and alleged antisocial behaviour on the balcony of the Grade Two-listed building.

Its owners Star Pubs and Bars have been looking for new landlords to get it up and running again but has been unsuccessful so far.

In the town centre, Steam Railway Company and Groves Company both closed unexpectedly in September.

Removal crews and vans were spotted at work in the pubs on Newport Street and Fleet Street.

The Adver has attempted to track down the owners of the establishments, Phoenix Pub Group, but has yet to find any contact details.

The company has a registered address in Hitchin, Hertfordshire.