Brigadier Gerard, Horton Heath (From Daily Echo)

Brigadier Gerard, Horton Heath

in Pub Reviews By Bethan Phillips, Reporter

Brigadier Gerard, Horton Heath

THEY have swapped a life in the sun for shifts behind the bar at a British pub.

But landlords Glynis and Paul Bates say they could not be happier to be back in the country after living in Spain – and are seeing their new business venture get off the ground.

Pub-goers in the area may well recognise the pair, who have managed several successful watering holes – including the Bugle Inn at Twyford, and the Fox in Fair Oak .

After an eight-year break in Spain, where they ran a popular sea-front bar, the couple have now taken over at the Brigadier Gerard in Botley Road, Horton Heath.

Paul said: “There were alarm bells going with the euro and Spanish economy and we decided that it was time to come back home.

“It’s great to be back. The Brigadier Gerard was a very run down pub, but we have just put it back together.

“We closed it down, decorated it all, refurbished it and I put all my hanging baskets up.

“We just put a bit of love and care back into it and it’s really taking off.

“You hear all these stories about pubs closing and people say pubs are struggling, but I think it is possible to make it work – if you do things right.”

And less than five months after reopening, the pub is already gaining a reputation for its food.

The pub has installed a special pizza oven and is now also offering a takeaway service.

Glynis said: “We change the menu every day. It’s good pub food that’s not overpriced.”

Botley Road,
Horton Heath,
Eastleigh .
Hampshire.
SO50 7DQ.
023 8069 3458.