PUBLICANS in Winchester have unveiled their new £150,000 refurbishment surrounded by friends and customers.

The landlords of the Golden Lion, in Alresford Road, launched a new pub menu, orangery and dog garden with a buffet showcasing their new food at a special event on Tuesday (March 31).

Brid and Derek Phelan were joined by their regulars as well as the mayor Eileen Berry and the Winchester and Chandler's Ford MP Steve Brine.

The Phelans, who have been married for 25 years, ran coffee shops and pubs in Bournemouth, London and Hertfordshire before falling in love with Winchester.

Since taking on the Wadworth pub they have spent a great deal of time and money improving it and building up trade “When we came it was in need of a bit of TLC from the outside to the inside and we have gradually built that up,” Mrs Phelan said.

“We were here for about a month when the recession hit us but we muddled on and we got through it. We upgraded when we could afford it and last year we decided we wanted to maximise the pub.”

The landlord and lady have spent £30,000 developing the rear of the property, including a kitchen extension, a conservatory to fit 40 people and extensive landscaping.

With an additional £120,000 from Wadworth, they now have a new Regal Room which will be used for small wedding and coach parties as well as business meetings - for which the couple have designed new menus supported by local caterers Drummonds butchers in Romsey as well as suppliers Brakes and Comax.

“This is a thank you to our customers to give something back,” Mrs Phelan added. “It's really nice to have that local support. We're very happy her so we'll be staying for a long time yet.”