An award-winning village pub has launched a new garden pavilion complete with a wood burning pizza oven.

Winchester City councillors voted unanimously in favour of granting permission for The Cricketers Inn in Curdridge to build the extension at the June planning committee meeting.

READ MORE: Hampshire country pub The Cricketers named as one of the best in the south east and is in the running for a national best pub accolade

The new pavilion, which contains six locally-crafted tables, heaters and blankets, will allow customers to enjoy a covered seating area during the unpredictable British summertime weather. Guests will also be able indulge in a pizza in the new setting or in the beer garden. A full time pizza chef has been recruited to man the oven - which has been imported from Italy and weighs 420kg.

The popular pub will serve a wide variety of pizzas from the classic margarita to a honey-smoked ham hock and charred pineapple pizza as well as a truffle cream cheese, Parma ham and mushroom, to name a few.

Landlord Stuart Downie said: “We are thrilled with the outcome at the Planning Committee and are delighted to introduce the pavilion ready for the summer months.”

SEE ALSO: The Nightingale pub in Romsey wins the Hampshire Chronicle’s Pub of the Year

Andrew Burgess of Andrew Burgess Planning advised The Cricketers Inn on the planning application, which was also supported by Curdridge Parish Council.

"Andrew has been instrumental in the whole process and we highly recommend him for any planning advice,” Stuart added.

Hampshire Chronicle: Stuart Downie and Andrew Burgess Stuart Downie and Andrew Burgess

As part of the launch, the pub is offering 25 per cent off pizzas every Thursday between 3-6pm.

For further information about the new pavilion building at The Cricketers Inn, or to view the pizza menu, visit: cricketerscurdridge.com

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