A NEW landlord has taken charge at an historic Romsey pub and is promising a 'shake up' and a rebrand.

Charles Jenkins has taken over the Bishop Blaize, in Winchester Road.

Charles comes with a pub background and hospitality experience as he also owns The Horse and Groom in Salisbury.

READ MORE: Crazy golf course at Romsey Rapids given a makeover

Manager Paris Smith said the eclectic Romsey pub has ambitions to reassert itself in the community with a slew of initiatives aimed at increasing engagement.

Paris, 23, hopes the new changes will attract more locals.

Hampshire Chronicle: The Bishop Blaize in Romsey

She said: “We’re working on bringing people live entertainment, a TV for sports and a pool table. This will be the only pub in Romsey with a pool table.

“We want to focus on community engagement as well with events for children and family days in our car park so this can become a go to place for everyone in Romsey."

The Bishop Blaize has been woven into the fabric of Romsey’s history for more than 300 years.

Its presence at the 28th annual Beggars Fair musical festival on Saturday, July 9 will kickstart their philosophy of community involvement.

Paris said: “Social media has been really useful at spreading the word about what we’re doing here and we’re really excited for the future.”

For updates about events by the Bishop Blaize, follow its Facebook page.

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