IT IS not often that you find a pub which has been run by the same family for nearly four decades, but that is the history of the Phoenix Inn.

The pub in Twyford was taken on by the Mundy family in 1981 and ever since then their name has been associated with the popular watering hole.

Run up until November 24 last year by Paul Mundy, who was at the helm of the tavern since 1984, it has now become the pride and joy of his partner Emma Oakley.

Having worked at the pub when she was 13, Emma is au fait with the ins and outs of the Phoenix Inn, and not only is she the landlady but she is also the chef.

She said: “I am a chef landlady, so I do both, and when Paul passed away I didn’t want anybody else to have it.

“I have lived in Twyford all my life, I am a Twyford girl - it is what I know.”

With a menu of delicious pub grub created by Emma and fellow chef Kerry, including steak and chips and scampi, it draws in customers from miles around, with many travelling to enjoy the atmosphere.

“It has always been a pub that does food, never a bistro wine bar we have always done pub grub.”

The pub has also introduced gluten free, vegetarian and vegan food to cater for all tastes.

And after it was taken over by Greene King it was given the opportunity to turn into a ‘local hero’ pub.

Emma said: “This allows us to have eight pumps and four of these can be from anywhere around Hampshire. A lot of people walk in and go ‘wow what a selection you have, I don’t know what to choose’.”

But it’s unique offering is the skittle alley, which welcomes groups from across the area to enjoy a game or two.

With many pubs choosing to replace their alley with a function room, Emma says this is what attracts many to visit.

“We have got the skittle alley at the back and we do two to three bookings a week. It is groups that come, WI, Scout groups, birthday parties. People often book the skittle alley and then come back because they like the pub.”

Emma added: “People can walk in on their own, they are welcome when they walk in and when they leave. We just like people to feel comfortable.”

Along with making customers feel welcome, with many returning time and time again, the pub has also raised money for charity.

This year it is aiming to install a defibrillator in the car park in Paul’s memory.

“I know from experience running down the hill and running back it can be quite a lengthy time so we would like one at this end of the village.”