IT WAS brought back to life by a new landlord who took the New Forest community pub into his own hands.

Jason Schinkel, 53, took over The Horse and Groom earlier this year and has given the place a new makeover after facing an eight month closure.

Locals had feared for the survival of the Woodgreen-based pub but were welcomed back with open arms following its brand new refurb.

The nearby villagers were involved in a race against time to raise £700,000 to buy the place and turn it into a community pub.

However, Jason has since bought the place alongside his job running the Bat and Ball in Breamore and the Radnor Arms in Nunton.

He says he has been involved in the pub industry ever since he moved to England from South Africa 20 years ago.

Jason said: “We reopened towards the end of April with new decor, furniture and new kitchen.

“It has been good and we’ve seen a lot of tourists come in.”

Head chef Peter Goodridge-Reynolds, who previously worked with Raymond Blanc, has joined the team at The Horse and Groom.

Jason added: “We host live music nights, but we are more focused on eating and dining.

“We sell traditional English food, and we specialise in fish, which is cooked by our three chefs.”

Quiz nights are held every Tuesday at the cosy pub, with all money raised going to a charity chosen by the winning team.

With a rating of 4.5 stars on review site TripAdvisor, it is dog-friendly and popular with tourists and locals - including donkeys.

According to Jason, donkeys regularly visit, and 15 donkeys can sometimes be spotted in the car park.

Boasting a huge pub garden as well as a cosy fire inside, it provides the perfect setting for every season.