Matt and Morgana Sandom are busy transforming traditional country pub The Bold Forester in Soberton with an outdoor kitchen and a host of live events. 

The couple, who are well known locally as the owners of Durley House and its swim school, bought a neighbouring house and found the pub up for sale.  

(Image: The Bold Forester) READ MORE: The new management breathing fresh life into 'Southampton's oldest pub'

Matt, who sold his computer software business in 2019, told the Daily Echo: "I had always said I'd like to buy a pub, but my wife wanted a horse! It wasn't hard to persuade her when it was the pub where she used to work in the village where she lives! It's a cute love story. 

"It was a bit like going to the Blue Cross shop and coming away with a dog! It was just staring at us with its puppy dog eyes looking a bit unloved and we just couldn't resist it! 

"Locals have been really supportive and are coming back in their droves."

(Image: The Bold Forester) The pub, which dates back to the 1840s, has had a lick of paint and a garden spruce up since reopening a month ago and around 500 people attended a launch event with live music and great food from the outdoor pizza oven, grill and smoker at the weekend. The family-friendly event also included bouncy castles and face painting for younger visitors. 

Real ales and ciders, from Hydes Cider and Bowman Ales, and home cooked food using local ingredients served up by popular chef Martin Dawkins, known as The Rustic Chef, and his team are proving popular and the restaurant will soon undergo a rebrand as The Rustic Forager.

Director Matt can often be found with microphone in hand providing entertainment with pub-goers encouraged to join in with a sing song of a Friday night. A regular quiz, monthly comedy night and bingo have also been introduced. 

(Image: The Bold Forester) A snug area is the perfect space for coffee mornings, breakfast, community events or just chilling out and the two bedroom neighbouring cottage is available on Airbnb.

Plans are also afoot to convert a garage into a farm shop serving local produce.