Pub struggling to survive with no Hythe Ferry sailings

Hythe Ferry ground to a halt in August after the ferry’s pontoon was damaged.

Sailings between Southampton and Hythe have been paused, leaving landlady of The Lord Nelson pub, Roberta O’Hara, in a precarious position.

“It will be disastrous for the pub if the Hythe Ferry does not run again”, the 71-year-old said.

Ms O’Hara has been at the helm of the popular watering hole for 23 years but is facing unprecedented times as she loses regular customers.

Roberta O'Hara, landlady of the Lord Nelson pub in Hythe (Image: Newsquest) She said: “People usually like to visit Hythe, have a meal or go to the different pubs, then get the ferry over to Southampton.

“That happened a lot here on Southampton FC matchdays and a lot of my trade used to come from supporters coming to the pub then catching the ferry to Southampton.

“I have noticed the number of people coming into the pub has dropped, badly, and all the other businesses in Hythe must be the same.

“No one comes into the pub before the football now, as they have to get to the stadium earlier and catch the bus or drive.”

READ MORE: How long is the Hythe Ferry suspended for and why?

The pontoon repairs were earmarked for the start of October but have since been pushed back, with no new date given.

The Hythe Ferry team said further underwater surveys needed to be carried out.

(Image: Newsquest)Roberta said: “This is an area full of marine services and engineers, yet Red Funnel still can’t get the pontoon repaired. I think they are using the damage as an excuse.

“Red Funnel is not considering the impact this is having on a lot of people.

“I am very concerned for the future because if they do not repair it, will they bring it back at all?

“It is such a special thing to have the ferry and the pier with the working train. There is so much history and it is all part of Hythe.”

Red Funnel has been approached for a comment.