IT'S the historic pub which has had a 21st Century makeover - and it's back open for business.

The Four Horseshoes in Nursling enjoyed a hugely successful relaunch following its lengthy coronavirus closure at the weekend.

Although locals have been enjoying the spoils of their takeaway service since six weeks in to lockdown with delicious roast dinners selling out every Sunday.

Takeaways will now become a permanent fixture on the menu of the pub, which reopened last summer with a new look following an 18 month building project.

The bar area now has an olde worlde feel with a sleek modern restaurant at the rear focusing on fresh, seasonal produce. There are two outdoor areas - a restaurant patio area to the rear with table service and the large beer garden at the front, a real sun trap shielded to the side by the M27/M271 junction.

Lewis Rosario, the pub's general manager and one of five directors, told the Daily Echo: "It had become a bit of a spit and sawdust pub, but we've really brought it into the 21st Century.

"This weekend was so positive and we've got massive local support. We're not going anywhere. Hopefully this time next year we w ill be back to normal, but at the moment it's not about making money. We just want to make sure our staff and customers are safe and keep our doors open. It's about making sure we're here for everyone when things are more normal again.

"It's back to business as usual, but with a few extra steps in place to keep everyone safe."

The Four Horseshoes is known to have been a watering hole for those bringing their horse to the farrier nearby in the early 1900s. Its trampolines and donkeys are looked back on affectionately by anyone who visited the pub in the 80s.

Foodie favourites include fish and chips, burgers and steaks.

The pub's locals tend to drink Carling, but there's a good selection of ales, as well as ten gins and premium mixers.

To feature in Pub of the Week, email lorelei.reddin@dailyecho.co.uk or call 023 8042 4711.