IT'S A traditional pub with staff who are determined to give their community a boost.

The Master Builder in West End is classic, with hearty pub grub, a pool table and an array of ales.

It's the perfect place to enjoy anything from a family meal to a night out watching the football or a couple of drinks with friends.

Landlord Mac McCauley is determined to keep it as traditional as possible and says it's all about having no airs or graces and just offering people a fuss free, relaxing experience.

Mac worked at the pub for 18 months as manager before taking over as landlord last month and he said the best thing about the job is just having the chance to get to know so many different people.

He said: "I love this job, it's brilliant. We really are just a classic pub, everything is kept simple but we like to make good food and keep it comfy and relaxed, it's not unusual to catch me popping down in my pyjamas. I always like getting to know our customers, it's so important that a person walks in and feels welcome.

"We have some competition with big brands around us and I can't tackle them when it comes to prices but I can always do my best to make sure people get the best service possible and I always will. We're the kind of pub where we can see a regular walking past the window on his way in and start pouring his pint, so it's ready for him when he sits down at the bar."

The pub has become popular in the community for hosting seasonal events too, with a disco coming up for youngster son Halloween, Christmas parties and people in West End all went to the pub for the Macmillan World's Biggest Coffee morning and raised more than £300.

Mac added: "We like to do our bit for charity and offer our customers fun things to do, I think it helps encourage a close-knit community. We have a pub quiz every Sunday, we do live music nights and buffets and our homemade carvery on a Sunday is always popular as well, the restaurant took more than 100 bookings the other weekend.

"It's great there is always a really good atmosphere here, we all have a lot of fun and get on with all our customers. It seems to be one of those places that people drive past for a while and then come in once and never look back which I'm really proud of, lots of people are very loyal and really appreciate that we're just a come as you are pub."

The Master Builder is supported by Wadworth Brewery and serves at least four real ales on tap, with the average pint costing £3.40.

Lagers on offer at the bar include Fosters at £2.95, Heineken and Amstel, a medium glass of wine costs £3.50.

- The Master Builder, Swaythling Road, West End, SO30 3AH, 023 8047 2426