THE new landlord at Winchester's Hyde Tavern has pledged to retain the pub's "unique ness and character".

Andy Burdon, who also runs The White Lion at Soberton, took over the hostelry at the about a month ago, after Vale Dove, who had been at the helm of the pub for 19 years, retired due to ill-health.

The 40-year-old said the tavern had made an instant impression on him when a friend introduced him to it.

He said: "I walked in the door and made a vow on the way home that if it ever became available, I'd try and get it.

"I fell in love with it and that's why I want ed to go for it. It's a classic old-fashioned pub, which there's very few of left these days."

Mr Burdon said he had signed a holding agreement with Admiral Taverns while the Hyde Street property is assessed for structural works. He said once that was finalised, he would sign a lease.

He added he would be making only subtle changes to the venue, including providing snacks and expanding the wine list.

He said: "We want to keep the character and uniqueness of the pub, even if work has to be done. We don't want to turn it into a pub like any other."

Izzy Pink, 22, who worked with Mr Burdon at The White Lion, has been put in place to run the tavern.