IT'S not often you meet a landlord who can say he's a PGA golfer.

Instead of pulling off clever chip shots and 300 yard drives, Ben Stanbrough is now putting his best swings into managing The Chestnut Horse in the village of Easton.

Mr Stanbrough took the pub, which is owned by publicans Hall and Woodhouse, over in January and says he has enjoyed every minute of it so far as he winds down his golfing career.

However pulling pints is not new for Mr Stanbrough,38, from Kings Worthy as he previously managed two golf members club, one in Romsey and the other abroad.

The pub used to be run by Karen Wells who also runs The Globe in Alresford.

Mr Stanbrough says he has been to the pub on many occasions as he is from Abbots Worthy and captains Easton and Martyr Worthy Cricket Club who regularly come for a drink and a bite to eat after a game.

Since taking over, he has renewed the close relationship with the club and the pub.

Mr Stanborough said:"I used to come down here all the time, and after cricket we would come here and sit outside and have a few beers and enjoy it.

"I have been a golf pro for 20 plus years and I am just ready for a bit of a change, and being captain of the cricket club and the pub used to be one of the sponsors then the landlord told us that she would be leaving and the cricket club would have to find someone else.

He said the opportunity came along and he thought it was ideal.

Since taking over, the menu has been revamped and focuses heavily on premium dishes offer something different than your usual pub food.

Mr Stanbrough added: "We will do a variety of different things on there and one thing I'm quite keen for is it to be different and have things like pheasant and quail.

Immediately inside the pub, it's easy to spot the unique decor, which focuses on the pubs links to fishing on the River Itchen.

The historic pub dates back to the 18th century several of the rooms have the low ceilings of the timber-frames of that era.

To keep punters warm there are gas fires, and in Summer many people enjoy a drink and food in the pub's popular beer garden.

There are a choice of three real ales to choose from and the cheapest pint costs £3.20 which is the Badger Best Bitter.

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Phillip Henstock from Alton said: "We come here fairly regularly and we think it is one of the best in the district. It feels like a pub and looks like a pub and the staff are wonderful and it allows dogs too."

Chail Low, 58, who works in marketing from Chichester said: "I like it because it is in the country and it is accessible and the food is great. I also like the fishermen and sporty decor and its authenticity."

Albert Briggs, 72, in Winchester said: "The food is quite original and and it is something you would get excited to get from a restaurant in London or in Winchester."