A NEW pub landlord says he has brought a traditional Fareham pub back to life.

Rob Gentles, 45, has been the landlord at The Golden Lion in Fareham High Street for more than a year.

This is the first pub for which he has been a landlord, and he said: “I have always wanted to do it so I just decided to go for it.”

Rob added: “There isn’t much of a pub or bar scene in Fareham and that’s something I wanted to change.

“We have brought a traditional pub back to life.”

The pub is more than 230 years old – Rob describes it as somewhere that is “rich in history”.

 

He said: “We do more than just pour pints. Everyone who works here is warm and welcoming.

“We engage and form relationships with our customers, and that’s really important.”

Since taking over, Rob has introduced a weekly quiz night which takes place every Thursday, as well as a monthly open-mic night.

He has also renovated the garden so it can be used by customers.

He said: “People who have been drinking here for years didn’t even know we had a garden

“The Golden Lion is just a great, proper English pub with good food, good beer and a great atmosphere.”

On Christmas Eve musician Mark Seale will be performing with a live swing band from 7.30pm.

The pub will also be open for two hours on Christmas day for drinks and nibbles, from noon until 2pm.

Rob said: “We have seen a wide range of different customers coming in to drink at the pub.

 

“We have also seen an increase in returning customers who used to drink here years ago, which is fantastic to see.”

He added: “In the future I would love to run a music and beer festival in the garden.”