“IT’S the heart of the community.”

Those are the words of a Bishopstoke landlady, who aims to put the community first.

Rachel Light, 40, has run the Anglers Inn on Riverside for the last 10 years with her partner Cruzette Liloc.

The couple aim to keep the pub traditional and family friendly.

Situated on the bank of the River Itchen, just a mile from Eastleigh, the pub welcomes dogs and families with children.

The pub serve light-bites such as sandwiches and snacks and also offer their customers their own Donna Italia pizzas that they can eat in or take away.

Rachel said: “We’ve got a fantastic community here.

“We’ve had so much support from all the locals and regulars.

“There is a little village close by and we are just aiming to keep it traditional and family friendly.

“It really is the heart of the community.

“There is such a good atmosphere in here over the weekend.”

The pub hosts live music over the weekends which Rachel said was a “big hit” with local residents.

They have live performers play at the pub on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons.

They also hold a quiz night every Wednesday and offer a game of free pool on Mondays.

The pub also hosts an open-mic night once a month that takes place every last Thursday of the month.

The landlady said that although lagers such as San Miguel and Fosters prove to be popular with the regulars, Sea Fury Ale is their most bought beverage.

Upstairs, the pub has three rooms and offers a bed-and-breakfast service aimed at targeting city-goers who would like a weekend break in rural Hampshire. The pub also has a function room that can be hired out for events and meetings.