IT IS the Hampshire pub that will soon have a new lease of life.

The Phoenix Bar and Eatery in The Hundred, Romsey, is looking to open to the public in August with a brand new look after refurbishment work begins this month.

The high-street pub, which can hold 175 people, will feature a new food and wine menu, supplied by Gusto Wines, and is owned by Heineken.

A new cocktail menu will also be featured in the pub.

Martyn Godwin, the tenant of The Phoenix, said: “I have been here since November and we expect the refurbishment to take place towards the end of July to give the place a facelift.

“We will have a new restaurant area and furniture as well.

“Approximately 90 percent of our customers are new and being on the high-street we get a lot of different people coming through town.”

Before coming to the Phoenix, Martyn worked at The Wellington Arms, Park Road, Southampton, and launched the Five Guys restaurant, West Quay, Southampton.

The 35-year-old from Shirley also ran Frankie and Benny’s in West Quay Road, Southampton.

“The Phoenix was previously called The Tavern and since we have been here we have had a gentle menu, which has not been too specific because we are waiting for the relaunch.

“Our beer-battered fish and chips are loved here and our Sunday roasts are popular. So many people complicate roasts but ours is a proper traditional one that is what grandma puts on the table.”

The pub will offer more vegan options on the menu after it has been refurbished and customers will also be able to enjoy a junior and senior menu.

Martyn added: “I cannot wait for the pub to be refurbished. Hopefully people will look at us and will say ‘let’s give them a try’.

“It should put it back on the market.”