A PUB in Winchester has been taken over by a new company after it was forced to close before Christmas amid the cost-of-living crisis.

Fulflood residents have welcomed the re-opening of The Roebuck Inn under The Little Pub Group

The pub has re-opened with a new staff team and fresh look after it was forced to close under its previous owners, who were accused of not paying their employees.

The Victorian venue in Stockbridge Road, brings The Little Pub Group’s collection up to five including the Plough Inn in Sparsholt, the Mucky Duck in Hyde Street and the King Alfred in Hyde.

Hampshire Chronicle:

READ MORE: Hampshire pub The Roebuck Inn doesn't pay staff due to rising bills

Manager Reza Najafi, 56, said: “The Roebuck was always on our radar because we loved the location, the garden and knew it had great potential.

“We’re so happy to be here and open to the community. The amount of local residents coming in has been overwhelming, absolutely brilliant.

Hampshire Chronicle:

“We thought we would struggle with the adjustment due to the bad press about the last company but it’s clear we’re not the same people. The Little Pub Group already has a really good reputation for quality and friendly service. All of our pubs do so well and our customer base is incredibly loyal and happy to spend money on us.

“We’ve done our best to transform the place for it to feel like a home away from home. Someone who worked here a few years ago even said he didn’t recognise the place. It looks so beautiful.

Hampshire Chronicle:

“Now we’re just going to concentrate on what we have. The Roebuck is our new baby and we want to do everything right.”

SEE ALSO: Winchester to welcome NAAFI café to St Georges Street in April

As the weather gets warmer, the manager says he hopes to extend the opening hours and increase the work force from around 15 to 25 or more.

Hampshire Chronicle:

Current menu specials include black pudding and scotch egg, haddock risotto, braised lamb and a selection of desserts to satisfy Reza’s sweet tooth. Options are being changed every two weeks while staff are testing out what works well.

Speaking on whether the car park would make a return after being scrapped two years ago for a bigger garden, Mr Najafi said: “We have no space for a car park. The garden is a big selling point, everyone walks here anyway and there’s plenty of place to park for free in the evening.”

The Roebuck Inn is open 5-11pm Tuesday to Thursday, 12-11pm Friday to Saturday and 12-8pm on Sundays. For more information go to the.littlepubgroup.co.uk/the-roebuck-winchester.