A new manager is breathing fresh life into the pub said to be Southampton's oldest.

The Red Lion, on the High Street, is believed to date back to 1148 and was Henry V's court room during the 1400s.

But it's looking to the future with regular live music, karaoke and live sport giving it a buzzing new vibe.

(Image: Sprosen Ltd) READ MORE: Behind the bar at the football-themed Saints pub for fans, friends and families

Karen Gray has been managing the pub for the past six weeks. 

Previously at the helm at The Five Rivers in Bevois Valley and the Royal Southern Yacht Club in Hamble, she's putting her stamp on the pub, which attracts a mix of locals, tourists and those on a night out in town and even Saints legend Matt Le Tissier recently. 

Karen told the Daily Echo: "Before I came here I thought it was a back street old man's pub, but the locals certainly know how to party!

"Some of them were against live music, but it has gone down so well. We have been rammed and the atmosphere is absolutely buzzing."

(Image: The Red Lion) Live music continues next weekend with an acoustic set from Inner Circle, who are playing a ticketed event at The Joiners in July, for free on Friday March 28.

There's also the projector screen for live sport, a juke box, karaoke, a meat draw and the bonus ball with proceeds going towards tablets for the children's cancer ward at University Hospital Southampton.

The foul-mouthed parrot which lived at the pub for years is sadly no longer in situ, but expect plenty of suits of armour, coats of arms and historic touches.

Real ales are among an extensive list of drinks, which are reasonably priced at £3.50 for a vodka and lemonade, beers from £4.30 and £5 for a pint of Guinness. 

(Image: The Red Lion) Known for its roast dinners, the Red Lion also serves up traditional pub food including gammon, egg and chips and fish and chips. 

There's a large dining room with original fireplace and exposed beams.

The Red Lion was used for the trial of Richard, Earl of Cambridge, Lord Scrope of Masham and Sir Thomas Grey of Heton, as they conspired against the life of the crown of Henry V in 1415,  planning to install a rival on the throne.

It played host to a defining moment in English history as a jury found all three conspirators guilty and they were sentenced to death. Grey, a commoner, was beheaded by the Bargate.

(Image: Sprosen Ltd)

The Historic Southampton website mentions a long running debate about whether The Red Lion or The Duke of Wellington is the city's oldest pub.