King Rufus at Eling Hill, Totton, welcoming customers again

But the 170-year-old King Rufus, the only surviving pub at Eling Hill, Totton, is back in business and going from strength to strength.

The new owners are Mike and Cat Wallace, who moved into the 19th century property after selling their home in nearby Ashurst.

The King Rufus at Eling Hill has reopened with new owners - Mike and Cat Wallace.

Mike said: "Eling Hill used to have two pubs but the Village Bells was converted into a house which left just one - the King Rufus.

"It's been trading since around 1850 and was one of many pubs that were owned and run by Ashby's brewery in Rumbridge Street, Totton.

"After it closed at the start of the pandemic the previous owners put it on the market and no-one was sure if it would ever open its doors again.

"After viewing the pub we fell in love with it and could see its potential, so we decided to sell our house and moved in.

The King Rufus at Eling Hill, Totton, has reopened with new owners - Mike and Cat Wallace.

"Following months of redecoration and refurbishment the interior now has two fully working fireplaces and has a relaxed, cosy feel.

"Initially we only opened on Friday evenings for drinks, which was a great success as we had lots of support from all the locals.

"We're now open on Sunday afternoons as well and serve ploughman’s lunches, which has also proved very popular. Next year we plan to add more opening times, extend the menu, and put on special events.

"As well as getting great support from the locals we're attracting a lot of customers from the Marchwood and Waterside area.

"We're a dog-friendly pub and get many dog walkers who enjoy walking the Eling Boardwalk around Bartley Water and Goatee Beach.

"We both look forward to making the King Rufus a successful local pub with a future and are proud that Eling Hill has got its pub back."

The business was being run by Ray and Philippa Goold when it closed in March 2020, along with every other watering hole in the country.

The couple later retired and said the pub would remain shut until a new owner was found.

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