The doors have reopened at the Coach and Horses pub, bringing new life to a much-missed village favourite.
Located in Sutton Scotney, the pub is now run by Harestock couple Zoe and Alan Newton, who have taken on the venture as a complete career change.
Ms Newton previously spent 24 years in education, while Mr Newton worked in IT before being made redundant.
Ms Newton said: "We're really delighted that it has happened. It has been a long time coming for us.
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"I think the locals have missed it – so many people have come to us saying they're so pleased it's open.
"We're really pleased that it's sunny. We opened the doors at 12 o'clock and we've not stopped.
"We want to be here for the community and be consistent.
"The pub has had quite a lot of change of hands. The difference is we are here to stay. We live upstairs as a family.
"We've taken the tenancy on for five years and we've got huge plans for what we want to do with it."
The Coach and Horses has seen multiple changes in management over the years.
The Newtons hope to bring stability and a renewed sense of community to the pub during their five-year tenancy.
They plan to develop the garden and host outdoor events, along with themed evenings such as cheese and wine nights and murder mystery events.
They are currently seeking a chef.
Ms Newton said: "We've got lots of grand plans for next summer - we want to develop the garden and we'd like to do outdoor events.
"We'd love to do themed evenings like cheese and wine, murder mystery evenings, that sort of thing. I know it's the first day but we're loving it so far."
The Newtons have lived in Harestock for 17 years and thanked friends and family for their support in making the move possible.
The reopening was met with excitement from the community.
Deborah and Lionel Smith visited the pub on opening day to celebrate Lionel's 87th birthday.
Ms Smith said: "We are so pleased it is open again. It is great that I can walk to it. I love that I know everyone that comes here."
Others praised the pub’s family-friendly atmosphere.
Isy Miller, David Miller, and Karlston Beckmann enjoyed the sunshine in the pub garden and spoke of their long-standing connection to the venue.
Ms Miller said: "We have been coming here for many years. It is just down the road – it is so important to have a local pub. We have really missed it through the summer."
Mr Beckmann praised the facilities for children - he said the bouncy castle was great for keeping the children occupied.
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