A NEW Hampshire pub focusing on locally-sourced beer has opened its doors.

The London Road Brew House in Southampton has its own micro-brewery and also serves a range of guest brews.

The Brewhouse, part of the London-based City Pub Company chain, opened its doors following a refurbishment of the premises, formerly home to Varsity, which closed in January 2016.

General manager, Jen Ford said: "Bedford Place seems to going from strength to strength and we hope to add to the craft beer market. We have an excellent and friendly team that can’t wait to get started.

"Southampton is our 30th site and the finished interior which has a number of different quirky features stands out and gives an vibrant but unique feel to the bar.

"We are obsessive about our beer and want to teach people about craft beer, we are also passionate about our food."

The new brewery will brew a number of different stouts, rye beers and pale ales.

Lee Farling, an award-winning brewer, who was crowned SEBAR brewing champion last year, will be heading up the brewing operations.

He said: "We are going to be brewing a variety of beer ranging from easy drinking IPA to some more weird and wonderful concoctions in Southampton, both available on cask and keg including a subtle fruity and herbal 3.8 per cent best bitter and a 4.2 per cent hoppy pale."

City Pub Company has plans to expand to 35 properties by the end of the year.

Chairman of the company, Clive Watson said: "We have strong momentum moving into 2017 both within our existing estate and with five newly acquired pubs coming on stream.

"With a very focused, talented, dedicated and loyal group of employees, we are confident we can continue to build profitably on last year’s success."

The London Road Brew House will be open from midday to 11pm Monday to Thursday, midday to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and midday to 9pm on Sundays.