Basingstoke ObserverTHE Red Lion at Overton is planning to reopen next week following the signing of a new lease agreement.
The pub which is almost 350 years old closed last Sunday and will reopen on the evening of Friday 18th February.
New leaseholders Victoria and David Harber say they are looking forward to meeting customers old and new.
Victoria was erstwhile landlady of the Queen Charlotte Inn in Andover, but after five years in charge refused to pay the “extortionate” rent increase imposed by ‘PubCo’ Stonegate. She left the Queen Charlotte, the pub which was home to the Andover Isolation Help Group, in November last year.
The award-winning publican told Love Andover: “We are thrilled to be starting this new venture in such a beautiful village and everyone we’ve met has been so warm and welcoming already. We have just a few days to install our new range of products and food offering before opening next week.
We will be open six days a week but are ready to react to customers’ needs and comments to make sure we can offer the best possible local pub experience to residents.”
Local resident and musician Graham has already been offering assistance, he said: “I think there will be many people in the village who will be wishing them well and supporting them at this great local pub. I hope they’ll use Dave Wilson the local greengrocer and really hope they’ll have some live music, too.”
The venue on the High Street will open with local singer Jake Ward performing live. Jake is known for his Micheal Buble styled interactive performances.
Residents are being given the opportunity to say what they want to see in their local pub, from menu choices to whether to install a pool table. Landlord David said: “It’s hugely important to us that we ask what people want and listen to their comments. There’s a form available on our website right now.”
Victoria and David say they are creating some never-seen-before fun promotions for drinkers and diners.
More information is available online: theredlionoverton.co.uk.
