THE Hampshire pub trade has welcomed back some familiar faces.
Clive Mansell and Hannah Walter, with partners Steve and Jill Barrow, have bought The Bell Inn in St Cross, Winchester.
Mr Mansell is best-known for his successful 12-year stint at The Ship, in Owslebury, and his time at The County Arms, in Winchester, between 1987 and 1991.
Steve, a Hampshire firefighter, and Jill also hit the winning formula at Winchester Rugby Club, where they specialised in weddings, corporate functions and party organisers, including summer balls.
The quartet plan to extend the pub to improve the restaurant.
Steve said: "We have been pleasantly surprised at the local trade. We are far busier than we thought we would be at this stage. A lot of former customers have started to come back.
"We want to keep it traditional, but also to have a medium-priced food outlet."
The new menu will be launched in late spring, he added.
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