The Travellers Rest at Hythe is back in business with customers arriving in their droves to enjoy a pint in the sunshine in the pub's large beer garden during the relaunch at the weekend. 

Philip and Rowena, their daughters and pub cat Pablo, have overseen a complete transformation since taking over in December. 

(Image: The Traveller's Rest) READ MORE: The New Forest pub reopening with Jeremy Clarkson beer

The couple, with extensive experience in the hospitality trade, are keen to instil a sense of community - and more beer deliveries - at The Travellers Rest. 

"It almost went too well," laughed Philip, speaking on Monday. "We've run out of beer!

"We've asked for a special delivery, but there's lots of lovely cider and we'll do specials on bottles of beer."

(Image: The Travellers Rest) Gone are the pool table, dart board and fruit machine in use under previous management. 

In are the low key TVs, a room available for free hire by members of the community - and a host ready to welcome all. 

Philip added: "It's going really well so far. Happy customers, happy management, happy bank balance we hope. It's very important to us to look after our staff and customers. 

"One of the problems we've seen is that people just don't feel welcome. But I'm there to make sure I greet everyone. We'll try to make it a really personal experience and a happy place for people to be.

"I've had my eye on this pub for two years. It's dripping with potential that has never been explored."

(Image: The Travellers Rest) Plans are afoot for an adjoining campsite at The Traveller's Rest, which is known to have been a pub since at least 1895.

The summer will bring a new stage to welcome bands like popular Hythe troupe The Trav Cats, an outside street food kitchen and a cider festival, as well as regular events and special nights. 

(Image: The Travellers Rest) Customers can enjoy Pravha, Birra Moretti, Thatchers and Aspall ciders, Camden Stout and Sharps beers on draught.  Jail Ale from Devon and Romsey's own Flack's Double Drop are among the real ales available.

Honey from The Noble Bee across the road and New Forest Ice Cream are among local items on a menu of pub classics, speciality dishes and extensive plant-based and gluten free options. 

(Image: The Travellers Rest)