The Junction Inn, St Denys (From Daily Echo)

The Junction Inn, St Denys

in Search

THEY SAY that pubs aren’t what they used to be.

However one local remains the heart and soul of its community.

When asked what he thinks makes a good local; landlord of the Junction Inn Martin Gentry’s reply is simple “this is it.”

In truth, nothing could be more vital to pubs than the support of the local community, particularly in these difficult economic times.

Martin is quick to mention the St Denys centre for learning difficulties, one of the local charitable projects he helps to manage.

His wife and landlady Dawn is also a governor at the local school. Martin told me: “We’ve realised that we have a responsibility as publicans to go out and make people aware of what we can offer.”

Clearly the judges of the Best Bar None Awards appreciated what has been offered, The Junction was selected from over 20 pubs in the area as the 2008 Best Community Pub.

The plaque, along with a photo of Martin and Dawn receiving it takes pride of place behind the bar.

Having failed to reach the final the previous year, to win the award outright is a massive coup.

Licensing Sgt Stewart Chandler revealed that the judges were impressed not only with The Junction’s fundraising and support of local projects but with how they have responded to the previous year’s feedback. “They were able to demonstrate proven procedures to ensure customer safety and respect for local residents.”

If you look past the welcoming, unassuming atmosphere there is an extremely pleasant pub.

A good range of food is also on offer including Sunday roast for £5.95 and as good a selection of lagers, beers and ciders as I’ve seen in any Greene King Pub.

These are difficult times for pubs, Martin tells me: “Around 39 pubs a week are going under we’ve got to make sure we’re one of those that doesn’t close”

It is difficult to overstate this pub’s role within the local community, dating back to 1856 when a drinking house was built to accommodate the Eastleigh railway workers.

It was one of the first buildings in the area and remains to this day as much of a pillar of the local community as it was 150 years ago.

The Junction Inn, St Denys Southampton thejunction-inn.co.uk 023 8058 4486