THE FUTURE of a Southampton pub has been saved after a new publican has taken over.

Pulling pints again, the Bitterne Park Hotel has again opened its doors having been shut since the summer.

Owners Ei Publican Partnerships, formerly Enterprise Inns, had initially hoped to reopen the pub last month, but there was a delay in appointing a new publican.

Now, a new local licensee has taken over with a business partner in the facility that had also undergone a series of refurbishments.

A spokesperson from Ei said: “We are delighted to confirm we have appointed a new publican at the Bitterne Park Hotel.

“The pub is now being run by experienced local licensee Joseph Smith alongside his business parter and they are focused on providing a great community pub with live entertainment and quality TV sport.

“We look forward to welcoming customers new and old to the pub.”

The future of the watering hole had been thrown into doubt after previous landlady Tracy Bondsfield ‘left suddenly’ back in August.

She had raised concerns over her future after a 28-year-old was hit in the face and neck with a glass in a late-night attack in March.

Mr Smith is the pub’s third landlord in 12 months.