CHANGES are underway at a Hampshire pub with a new manager and chef at the helm.

Paula O'Reilly is the new face behind the bar after taking over as general manager at The Bugle.

And she has been joined by new head chef Steve Smith.

Together they are hoping to spread the word and get more people through the door.

Set in the heart of the picturesque Hamble village, there is certainly no shortage of competition on the High Street with several other pubs in very close proximity.

Built in 1771 and Grade II listed, The Bugle certainly has a rich history and some of its regulars have been coming more than 40 years.

However, a decade ago its future looked uncertain with plans to redevelop the site.

Fortunately it could not be knocked down as the pub had listed building status.

Though part of the pub was lost to housing the rest remains and was eventually bought by current owner Matt Doyle, of Ideal Collection, which runs a number of local venues including the White Horse at Otterbourne and the White Star Tavern in Southampton.

That was 10 years ago.

Paula, who has worked at both these locations, came to The Bugle nearly three months ago.

The dog friendly pub's trade is a mixture of tourists to Hamble, those who regularly come down from London for weekends and their regulars who help to sustain the business in the winter months when the village is quieter.

And Paula and Steve are keen for the pub to get back to basic good quality classic English pub food, all home made.

However, Steve will be bringing some Mediterranean touches to the kitchen having spent 10 years cooking abroad.

Paula says that she believes it is this quality that will help The Bugle stand out from the crowd.

"It is competitive but we all have something different to offer," she said.

"It is very much a summer place.

"In the winter it will change but I think this is where it gives us the opportunity to offer something more.

"There has to be a reason to visit and our food will be a reason to come to the area.

"We have got a very talented chef."

The pub offers a number of different events in the evenings with fish and chips on Monday, steak night on Tuesdays, burger night on Thursdays and shellfish on Fridays.

However, Paula is hoping to put on more events at the pub, particularly live music, and set up a monthly band night.

The pub is planning to hold a Winter Barbecue with live music on two consecutive nights in December.

A drink at The Bugle won’t break the bank. Customers can get a pint of Bugle Ale for £3.90 or a 175ml glass of white wine for £4.60.

The Bugle, High Street, Hamble, SO31 4HA

Tel: 023 8045 3000