THEY say they were chucked in at the deep end.

Having never run a business before, the Forster family set out to take over the Queens Head in Titchfield a decade ago.

But the family say they’re glad they did.

Bob, Marilyn and Susan all play their roles in keeping the locals of Titchfield coming back for more in their family-orientated pub.

Bob, 67, said although there have been some difficult times, they’re pleased with the direction the watering hole is headed in, and doesn’t want anything to change.

He said: “We’re a family-run pub for families. We have disco nights, quizzes for charity and a meat raffle, and everyone seems to appreciate what we’re doing. When we took over, the previous landlord said it wouldn’t work out, but we’ve proven them wrong.”

Marilyn, 60, said the family simply sat down and decided to buy the lease when it was up for sale ten years ago.

Marilyn said: “I have had some catering experience in the past, as have some of the other family members who helped out. Susan’s other half Tom said the lease was up when we were all sat down, and we just went for it.

“Our customers are more like friends who pay the bills. When Bob had a heart attack two years ago, everyone stepped in and asked what we needed doing, it was fantastic.”

Susan, 29, said it was a family effort, and that the pub provides events that nobody else in the area does.

Susan, who has been at the pub full time for three years, said: “I don’t think there’s anywhere else quite like us, we’re very unique and we like that. We have raised a lot of money for charity which not many pubs do.”

The pub has raised £5,000 for its sponsored charity Charlie’s Beach Hut, a charity for children with life-limiting illnesses.”

Susan added: “We were chucked in at the deep end, but we’ve done so well and created what I think is the hub of the community.”

PUNTERS' POINT OF VIEW

Dave Burnley, 70, retired of Fareham said: "We love the place and we love the beer. The food is fantastic too, Marilyn is a great chef and the staff are wonderful."

Brian Taylor, 66, retired of Fareham said: "We visit every Monday, they've named us the Monday-men, that's how welcoming the staff are, it's a real family feel."

Chris Raleigh, 58, retired of Titchfield said: "Everyone plays their part, and it's a real pub, and there aren't many of those left now. It's a great family run pub."