An experienced duo want to transform a closed pub into a new nursery.

Sarah Reynard and Abbie Sleeman currently run The Nurture Den in Lymington and are now starting Hive Day Nursery and Preschool in the market town.

They are hoping to convert the Malt and Hops pub - which 'closed for refurbishment' in May 2023 and never reopened - should planning chiefs agree to the proposal.

“I opened my first nursery in 2013 and that was just meant to be a small preschool, and it grew incredibly quick,” Sarah said.

“We got oversubscribed and found it difficult to achieve what we wanted to, but I’ve always been searching for the perfect place.”

The Malt and Hops site, which Sarah and Abbie will use as a nursery.The Malt and Hops site, which Sarah and Abbie will use as a nursery. READ MORE: Hampshire pub Malt & Hops pub set to become nursery

The venue was known for community vibes at their big open fireplaces, and the new nursery managers are keen to keep the spirit of the old establishment alive with their décor.

“One of the fireplaces will be used as a roleplay area for a cozy lounge, and another will be used for a roleplay kitchen area,” Sarah said.

“We want the locals to know that we don’t want to change the building into something structured, we want that old-fashioned traditional touch.

“It’s got so many opportunities for children to use their imagination instead. We fully appreciate how the locals must feel, I’m from Hythe myself so I understand.

"But it’s also nice to bring myself back into the area and ask parents what they want for their children - we’re very community led.”

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If plans are approved, upstairs the new nursery will have two baby rooms  – one for sleeping and one for floor play – a staff room and a kitchen.

The main play room at The Nurture Den Lymington - Sarah and Abbie's other nursery.The main play room at The Nurture Den Lymington - Sarah and Abbie's other nursery. (Image: The Nurture Den Lymington) But Sarah, who attended Noadswood School, also wants to utilise the big beer garden that the Malt and Hops had.

“Our ethos is all about nature, forest schools and outdoor learning,” said Sarah.

“There will be bug hotels, forest school opportunities and we want to offer that all year round.

“We want to grow our own produce, with our own vegetable patch and children will learn all about life cycles, growing, sowing and harvest.”

Sarah and Abbie like to take children on bus rides and trips to local libraries, believing that nursery is about much more than playing in a room.