A SOUTHAMPTON pub is set to open on Friday just two months after suddenly closing its doors.

The South Western Arms shut without warning in February and El Publican Partnerships, which owns the building, confirmed that the publican chose to close it due to personal reasons.

The closure prompted campaigners to start a movement to protect the pub and grant it status as an Asset of Community Value, which would protect it for at least six months.

But a message posted on the pub's Facebook page announced that it will be reopening on Friday and taking cash only.

The message says: "Friends of the South Western Arms, after a long couple of months without our favourite local, I am very pleased to announce the silence can now be broken.

"I have been able to agree terms with El and the pub we call our local is set to re-open with me at the helm.

"Come along and join me on Friday, April 20, at 3pm to say hello to Spring and help return the laughter to the St Denys community."