THE Station Pub in Bullar Road, Southampton has had a major refurbishment and now hopes to win the hearts of the community by offering “a friendly venue and good dining”.

The pub was reopened by John Campbell and more than £250,000 has been spent on modernising the venue.

Owned by Greene King, the business is run by operators Silver Keg Ltd who appointed John to manage the site.

The pub’s makeover includes its outside space with a new patio area.

Aiming to be one of Southampton’s go-to venues for live sports coverage including the closing stages of the Premier League football title race, there are six flat-screen TVs.

The pub saw more than 400 people turn out to watch Saints take on Manchester United in the EFL Cup final.

Its bar area is fitted with comfortable chairs as well as a tabled area at the back for dinners to enjoy freshly cooked meals. The most popular food on the menu is gourmet burgers and their Sunday super roast.

In the upcoming months, John hopes to have live music performing in the venue as well as quiz nights.

John said: “We are looking forward to showing off the changes to the pub and hope they appeal both to old customers and new.

“The refurbishment has given the place a really modern feel and we are confident people who have not visited the pub before will be impressed, we think a wide range of people will like what we have done," said the manager who has been working in hospitality for more than 20 years.

“I have found people welcoming and settled very quickly into Southampton.

Clive Chesser, managing director of Greene King Pub Partners, said: “The investment we have made in this pub has made a major difference to its look and feel and we look forward to customers enjoying the changes.

“We are delighted to be working with such experienced operators on bringing out the potential of this pub and will continue to offer our support as it re-establishes itself at the heart of the community.”