A TEST Valley pub has 'bounced back' since lockdown – and its owner has explained how.

Dave Watts, who runs The Crown Inn at Upton, says his team has "lost no time making sure the place stays ahead of the game".

The pub has undergone a full refurbishment and by using local suppliers, has also avoided delivery difficulties experienced by others in the county.

Since lockdown it has been named a TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice Award Winner and was included in the prestigious Michelin Guide 2021.

"I'm so proud of The Crown and its team and how we've come through the last 18 months," said Mr Watts.

"We have a very firm philosophy regarding hospitality, buying local and supporting the community and caring for our customers. I've been lucky to have such good training and career opportunities which have influenced the way we run things here and put the customer first."

The Crown Inn sources its ingredients wherever possible from local artisanal suppliers.

Mr Watts, who is also a chef and trained with Raymond Blanc and Gary Jones, makes the most of River Test chalkstream trout, local lamb and pork, vegetables from community growers and the pub's own garden.

All bread is made on site, from sourdough and brioche to soda bread and crusty traditional loaves.

Wines from nearby Danebury Vineyard, beer from Andover's Penton Brewery and Test Valley Gin are all on the menu.

"The Test Valley, too, is a beautiful place to have a pub, together with such an abundance of produce," added Mr Watts, who has recently acquired The Charcuterie at Parsonage Farm.

It is here that organic meat supplied by smallholdings are sourced. He creates cured meats such as flavoured salamis, coppa and lomo as well as pancetta.

This meat is sold online and served as platters in the pub.