It opened in 1784 under the first licensee John Parks.

The grade two listed building now has more of a modern feel, but has still retained its character under current landlady Sandra Cook.

The Golden Lion in Fareham's High Street underwent a facelift in May last year, with around £40,000 put into the pub.

It still attracts the regular customers, with business owners from nearby also popping in for a pint.

Sandra has been the landlady for two-and-a-half years since coming back from Lanzarote and is determined to continue down her own path.

Sandra said: "We had a refurbishment last year to give the place a facelift but truth be told it's always been wonderful and the regular customers really enjoy their time here.

"We do serve food but it's the ales that are by far our most popular. It's a shame it's not right in the centre of Fareham, but I do like our overall location.

"I used to run a hotel in London and originally went for a year abroad in Lanzarote but I ended up staying for five years and running a bar out there."

Head chef Adam Cooper is proud of the food and thinks he knows the answer why people keep coming back for more.

Adam said: "Everything we cook is fresh and prepared on site, that's why our customers love our food. The staff here are so friendly too and I tried not to hide away in our kitchen and be a part of the bar as much as I can!"

The Fuller's pub has two dining areas and a secret garden and was featured in the 2016 Good Pub Guide.

Sandra knows that her regular visitors appreciate both the atmosphere and the ale on offer.

Sandra said: "We try and keep our ale as best we can, and some of them we have on have been here for ages, but our customers keep on coming for them all the same."

Punters' Point of View

Jack Smith, 95, retired from Gosport said: "It beats sitting at home doesn't it! I like my vodka and they're all friendly in here."

Rodney Poulton, 66, a bakery worker from Fareham said: "I've been coming here about two-and-a-half years now and it's not changed too much despite the facelift - as welcoming as ever."

Richard Howard, 58, sweet shop worker from Fareham said: "For nine years I have been coming down the street here for a pint, you really get to know the people with a nice beer to drink."