One of Southampton's oldest pubs is being given a new lease of life under new owners who are promising to bring it back to its best.

The Alexandra Hotel on Bellevue Road, affectionately known as The Alex, has been a pub since the 1870s and now the team behind an award-winning pub on the edge of Hampshire are making it their second venue.

Tom Compton and his business partner Chris Young have had huge success the last 18 months with their country pub The Sussex Brewery in Emsworth and felt The Alex was the perfect city location, their second of a planned six within their independent group.

(Image: The Alexandra Hotel) READ MORE: Take a look inside The Chilworth Arms after refurbishment

Just a week into his new tenure, Tom told the Daily Echo: "I like a pub being a pub and that is what we are going for with The Alex.

"People are already getting to know my face behind the bar and everyone is assured of a warm welcome and a great atmosphere. 

"In the short time we've been open, we're already hearing that people feel like The Alex is back to how it used to be. If you can get that in the space of a week, then I think you're onto a winner."

(Image: The Alexandra Hotel) A full refurbishment is planned in around six months time but, for now, it's full steam ahead with plans for plenty of live entertainment at The Alex with live music every weekend, including tributes and retro bands. 

Tuesday night is quiz night with an open mic event on a Thursday and there are drag brunches and bingo in the pipeline at the LGBTQ+ friendly venue, which has its own pool table and will show some live sport. 

Tom is looking forward to meeting Saints fans on the next two sell out Saturdays match days at St Mary's and has a vision for a music and beer festival in the garden in the summer and a roaring fireplace in the winter.

(Image: The Alexandra Hotel) Drinks include Cruzcampo, Birra Moretti, Guinness, Inch's Cider, Beavertown IPA, Heineken, Thatcher's Haze, and various spirits and wines with a selection of ales and freshly made cocktails from next week. 

The kitchen will launch its home cooked mini menu this weekend with dishes including steak and black pudding, with vegan choices also available.

(Image: The Alexandra Hotel)