IT IS the family-friendly pub "tapping in" to the local community.

Dan Morgan and Claire Nixon have been the owners of The Good Companions in Eastleigh for 17 months, first taking over in August 2018.

The couple pride themselves on creating a family-friendly and inviting environment catering for teenagers hanging out with their friends to the elderly enjoying a quiet drink.

Claire said: "We have changed a lot since we took over.

"We have really tried to hone in on a family oriented place, we pride yourself on the fact the place looks and feels so much better since we took over.

"We've attracted a huge crowd of people, we've tapped into all the local areas."

She added: "[The pub] is fanatic, it's hard work.

"It's a work hard, play hard. It's really rewarding. We do have hard times but it's totally outweigh by the good times. Our team are fantastic, I am very proud of them."

A chef by trade, Dan creates new seasonal menus every few months.

He said the most popular item on his menu the Sunday roast, along with the Cajun chicken burger.

The most popular drink proved to be gin along with draught drinks.

Dan said: "We have a good ale following now, we like to use local.

"We've got Ringwood at the moment. We put it on social media what we have and people will come in for it."

The pub also offers a range of activities including a Wellness Morning every Wednesday where they provide free tea, coffee and biscuits and offer a safe space for people to chat and come together.

On a Wednesday evening, they host a quiz night for £1 per person and host live music every month.

Dan said: "Pubs used to he the part of all communities, and were trying to bring that back a bit."

The couple also support a number of charities and this year they will be hosting the World's Biggest Pub Quiz to raise money for Action Against Hunger.

On April 22, they will also be hosting a quiz night to raise money for local charity Sophie's Appeal.