A WELL-KNOWN Southampton pub has reopened after undergoing a major renovation.

For years the Pensioners pub in Bedford Place had a reputation for being the place to go for a quiet pint and to chat with friends.

But now under new management and having undergone a week-long refurbishment, it has once again opened its doors to locals and regulars alike.

Renovations to the 300 year-old building, owned by the Greene King Brewery, include redecoration and new furniture.

The pub’s new boss, Kostas Raftopoulos, who took over the lease on July 25, vowed the Pensioners will retain its traditional style.

Kostas said: “When we took it over last week it was in need of work doing to it.

“The building is actually Grade II listed, so we wanted to preserve that and keep it as traditional as possible.

“We are going to focus our attention on serving traditional ales as well as offering classic English food such as Yorkshire puddings, roast dinners and steaks.

“We really hope we can preserve the pub’s heritage and history and make it a really nice place for people to come to.”

Kostas, who part-owns La Margherita, has also taken over the Court Jester pub near Ocean Terminal in Southampton, which he hopes to have opened by next month.