An instantly recognisable Hitchin pub is set to reopen next week with no name after a licensing application got the thumbs up.

The much-loved Kings Arms in Bucklersbury will reopen as the ‘Pub With No Name’ with a soft launch on Thursday, November 20, and a public opening the following day after a premises licence was approved by North Herts District Council on Tuesday night.

Tom Brace, the owner of the Grade II-listed building which first served customers in the early 19th century, told the Comet: “I’m very pleased all the licensing applications went through, with only one minor variation in terms of use of the garden beyond 11.30pm on Friday and Saturday nights.

“We have decided to reopen it as ‘The Pub With No Name’ due to issues with using the name the Kings Arms, before renaming it after our refurbishment in January.

“We have plans in place for a new name but are still working on designs and signage – so watch this space!”

“We will have an invitation only launch next Thursday and then open to the public on Friday which will coincide with Hitchin’s Christmas lights being turned on.

“We also extend a warm welcome to everyone involved with lights and would love the celebrities to come down to ‘The Pub with No Name – along with as many people in Hitchin as possible, too.”

Hitchin town centre manager Keith Hoskins added: “We are looking forward to bringing back a new lease of life to an historic Hitchin building.”