A pub at the heart of the Swanmore community has opened again after being closed for three years thanks to its new owners.

The Hunters Inn, on the corner of Droxford Road and Cott Street, was closed in 2019 when the owners declared it was uneconomic to run.

Swanmore couple, Pam and Stewart Elliot took over the pub in March 2020, prior to the country going into lockdown. Over two years on, the pub is now back in business after its 'grand opening' on Thursday, August 18.

Co-owners Pam and Stewart were overwhelmed with the support they received on the opening night in Swanmore, with more than 200 people in attendance, some travelling as far as Kent. 

Hampshire Chronicle:

Stewart said: “It’s a wonderful feeling. Last night was more than a surprise for all of us because of the number of people that came and the number of people that commented on the quality of the pub and the renovations that we’ve managed to achieve whilst keeping the original feeling of the pub.

“This pub is very important for Swanmore. We hope that people will feel very much at home here and enjoy good service and good food. There’s a genuine feeling in the village that it’s part of the fabric of the village and they genuinely wanted it back.”

READ MORE: The Hunters Inn in Swanmore announces August opening after being closed for three years

Retired Swanmore teacher, Mike Noble was honoured with helping to cut the ribbon to mark the pub’s re-opening. He said: “Swanmore is not Swanmore without the Hunters.”

Both the car park and the overflow car park were filled with visitors. Upon arrival, guests were offered canapes and prosecco before the bar officially opened at 5.30pm - an hour earlier than planned due to popular demand.

Manager Mark Fowkes was busy serving all night. He said: “It was really busy. It went really well and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, they drunk us dry. Everyone was in good spirits, and it was a very very good night.”

The historic Hampshire pub now employs 20 staff members, with food service starting on Friday, August 19 evening to help the employees settle in.

Hampshire Chronicle:

Stewart added: “We’ve been very fortunate with the staff. Everybody said it would be difficult, but we’ve been very lucky to get the quality of staff that we’ve got. Everyone spoke very highly of them last night so I’m very pleased.

“It was one of those unusual evenings when you couldn’t believe it all. We’re sat here now still trying to analyse it all.”

SEE ALSO: Parker Baits, in Durley, celebrates one year of bait business with family fishing open day

Ahead of the event Stewart looked into a band that was born at the pub, under the stage name of Hank Dalton. Their lead member passed away a few years ago but his family were delighted to come along with the revived band and play some country and western music.
Family member Teresa Hibberd commented on Instagram: “Fabulous night and such a surprise about the band. I can’t believe how much everyone remembered Hank Dalton, was so lovely. Can’t wait to come back.”

The Hunters Inn, in Swanmore, will be serving traditional pub food like burgers, pies and fish. For more go to the pub’s facebook page at facebook.com/Huntersinnswanmore/.