IT’S transformed into a family friendly pub with hearty plates of food.

Samuel’s Rest is on the outskirts of Southampton offering residents a mixture of traditional ales and a cosy atmosphere.

The regulars are at the heart of this pub, based in Upper Church Road, with a group of them singing the pub’s praises now that the new owners have taken over.

Shaun and Nikki Payne took on the pub almost two years ago as a new venture.

The couple admit it was a challenge, with Shaun previously working as a mechanic – but Nikki had loved working in hospitality when she younger and was determined to make the place her own.

Now they serve filling, traditional pub food and have worked hard to make the venue more appealing with an extension for restaurants diners to eat in, more real ales and even a bird cage with three parrots in the garden which children love.

Nikki said: “I just really wanted to give it a go. We have changed things around a bit and the place is very much one where everyone can muck in and you will always meet new people. I think the best part of this is the people, we have such loyal customers that really enjoy and appreciate what we offer.”

The pub, fondly known by regulars as ‘Sam’s’ is open all day every day except Mondays when it opens at 4pm and also hosts a quiz night every Tuesday, books musicians to play at least once a month and holds a folk night every month which is always full of surprises for customers.

Shaun added: “I didn’t really see this happening, but we love it here and it’s become a great place for locals to come and relax.”

The pub offers real ales for £3.35 a pint, the most expensive lager is Kronenbourg at £4 a pint and a small glass of house wine will costs £3.