New owners hope to return the Frog and Frigate pub to glory days

Ever since it first opened its doors in 1981 it has endured its fair share of problems, including burglary, a fire, a cash crisis and multiple closures as the famous bar changed hands.

But once again Southampton’s Frog and Frigate is making a return – with new owners hoping to bring back some of its former glory.

The Canute Road pub has been closed for the past six years, the building lying empty with growing weeds which have since caused cracks in the walls.

But now a musician who regularly performed there has teamed up with his wife and they are planning to reopen it during the first weekend in March.

Derek Gardener (above) and his wife Lorraine hope to bring back the spit and sawdust atmosphere it was once famed for.

Lorraine said: “There are so many pubs that are closing and being turned into flats. This one is hopefully going the other way.

"It just seemed like the right time to do it.

“It sold and closed down and sat there rotting until we managed to get it open. It’s quite a scary venture, we don’t know what it will be like down there now.

"We’re looking at going back to the very roots of the Frig and Frigate.”

Above and below: Millennium celebrations at the pub.

The pub will be able to have a licence for 100 people and although it is allowed to stay open until 4am it will be open until 1am.

Now that licensing bosses have given the green light the couple say they have had a “tremendous response” from former regulars.

Derek said: “I just can’t believe the response we have had. There are so many people wanting to come to the opening weekend we’re going to have to make it a ticketed event just so that we can control numbers.”

For tickets visit www.southampton-music.com