A NEW pub is set to open in a Hampshire town – creating 30 jobs in the process.

The latest Slug and Lettuce outlet is set to open its doors in West Street, Fareham on March 20 following a major £275,000 refurbishment of the former Vanguard site.

A launch party has been planned for March 28 with complimentary canapés and two-for-one cocktails.

Once fully operational, pubgoers can look forward to the usual bar fare and food offerings as well as free Wi-Fi and Costa coffee.

Situated in a former church, the Slug and Lettuce will open between 9am and 11.30pm from Monday to Wednesday, 9am to 1am Thursday to Saturday and 10am to 11pm on Sundays.

Manager Maggie Hewlett, said: “We are really excited to be bringing a Slug and Lettuce to Fareham.

“It’s a brand that has a little bit of love to share with all age groups, from the fantastic family offers, the very drinkable two-for-one cocktails for a great girls’ night out and the great Slug and Lettuce food offer. We look forward to welcoming you all.”

Slug and Lettuce is owned and operated by Stonegate Pub Company, which has revenues of over half a billion pounds and employs over 12,000 people.

The company has 625 pubs under the brand names of Classic Inns, Local Pubs, Great Traditional Pubs, Slug and Lettuce, Scream, Yates, Bars & Venues, Missoula, Living Room, Varsity and Smith & Jones.