A WELL-KNOWN Southampton club is to see a change in use following the retirement of the former manager.

St Deny’s Boat Club has officially taken over the popular Riverside Club in Southampton after the owner of 15 years, Ve Lewis, retired.

Used previously as a bar for the community, the club will be refurbished as well as see a change in use.

James Wardle, the St Deny’s Boat Club captain, said: “St Denys Boat club would like to thank Ve and all the regulars at the Riverside club for all their support over the last 20 years.

“[The club] will be using the space to help even more people get on the water in Southampton in 2019, by expanding our low-cost canoeing sailing and paddleboarding to even more people.

“Though it’s sad to see the end of an era at the Riverside Club there are lots of new exciting things planned for the local community this year, and we will be adding classes including yoga, Wing Chun martial arts and paddleboard yoga.”

The refurbishments will see the 1930s maple dance floor and woodwork renovated and a few minor touch-ups where needed.

It is estimated that the refurbishments will take a little over a month and the club are planning to open its doors to the public in late February.

The Riverside Club members held a celebration party to say goodbye to the owners and the club.

The party included music, karaoke and dancing as well as plenty of drinks on offer.

Previously know as the Pigeon Club, members have suggested that the club has been around for nearly 80 years.

Some members have been a part of the club for a total of 50 years.

The club has been used for many different occasions including weddings, parties and meetings.

Member John Scamell has been a part of the Riverside Club for 10 years.

He said: “I have made some really good friends here. We have gone for coach trips and been out for a few days. It is a really friendly family-run place and everyone in the club knows everyone. Some people call it the quirky club.”

He added: “It’s a shame it’s gone really. All the members are very upset. Ve has been such a lovely landlady.”