The Phoenix Inn, Twyford (From Daily Echo)

The Phoenix Inn, Twyford

12:39pm Wednesday 24th June 2009 in

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THE Phoenix Inn would be a fitting name for any pub that rose from the ashes.

Yet the 17th century coaching inn at Twyford near Winchester has been going from strength to strength for more than three centuries.

Given the pub’s long history, the current landlord, Paul Mundy, has only been there a relatively short amount of time – almost 30 years.

He came to Twyford in 1978 and worked as a chef at The Bugle Inn at the junction of Park Lane and High Street.

Three years later he took his knives and saucepans 50 yards up the road to the Phoenix Inn.

Apart from a 16-month stint in the early 1990s running the Dolphin Inn, which was also in Twyford and has since closed, he has been there ever since.

Mr Mundy said: “Ever since I came here in 1981 I’ve always looked to provide real ale and real food for real people, and that’s what we have.”

He added: “Twyford is a cracking place. I wouldn’t have stayed here so long if it wasn’t.”

He runs the pub with Emma Oakley, who has been in the village even longer. She was born in Twyford and first worked at the Phoenix Inn aged 14.

The pub boasts a lounge bar along with a skittle alley, patio area, and rear garden.

It also has a sizeable car park, which is a popular feature, as spaces in Twyford are not always easy to find.

As a result, Mr Mundy allows customers of nearby shops – including TDS Photographic, Roger Walker Travel and the Raymonde hair salon – to use spaces during the day.

A mobile library also uses the car park once a week, so punters can enjoy a pint with their Pinter or shandy with their Shakespeare.

The venue offers a wide range of pub food, with special promotions on most evenings.

Several groups also meet at the pub, including the Royal British Legion, Hampshire Morris Minor Club, the BMW Motorcycle Club, Hampshire Horsewatch Society, and the Shawford Rail Users Group.

It also supports several good causes including Twyford Community Project, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Blue Cross Animal Shelter, and the Friends of Shepherds Down School.