A HAMPSHIRE pub is now open for business after it suddenly closed at the start of the year.

The Dancing Goose in Netley reopened its doors to the community in May after its new manager Mike Andrews spent £80,000 on overhauling the building.

Mike, 60, from Southampton, has been working in the industry for 40 years and runs the business with the support of his wife Mandi and their eight-year-old daughter Summer, who chose the name of the pub.

Only ten minutes away from the bustle of the city, the Dancing Goose serves food seven days a week and carvery from Wednesday to Sunday.

Mike said steaks and pies are very popular along with carvery while chicken nuggets are the children’s favourite.

He is also working at plans to introduce more vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

“People in general are a lot more conscious of what they are eating and we’d like to cater for everyone,”he said.

And added: “We cook everything fresh here. We don’t start cooking until we take the order. Not being part of a big chain makes a massive difference. I like listening to people, see what they want and change things based on what people want.”

Mike and his team have just launched the Lite Bites menu which gives customers the chance to choose between a selection of sandwiches and baguettes.

The pub also provides a wide selection of drinks including wines, beers, gin and soft drinks.

But Mike said: “We are a food-led pub. I think pubs need to be more than what they are. They have to be a place where people don’t come in just to drink but also to socialise. I just want to concentrate on good quality food and friendly atmosphere.”

Mike said he will be improving the garden, adding a new play area.