IT'S the village pub with an exceptional Italian restaurant where locals are made to feel completely at home.

The Ox pub and Bella Vita restaurant, in North Baddesley, boasts an authentic menu which includes many of the dishes which made legendary Southampton eatery La Lupa so popular.

Nimet Kimca, who was head chef at the former High Street favourite from 2005 to 2011 followed by a three-year stint at Milan on Salisbury Street, has been at the helm since 2014.

READ MORE: The 12th century New Forest pub serving Indian food

Stay up to date by getting breaking news emailed directly to you.

Daily Echo:

Nimet, known as Nino, also oversees The Exchange and Funky Flamingo in Romsey.

He said: "The Ox came about and I thought why not give it a go. It took time to turn the place around as before there was the wrong crowd in there, but now there's always a great atmosphere.

"We called the restaurant Bella Vita, which means beautiful life, because there was life in the building, but the beauty was missing. It's there now I think.

"There is nothing simliar around the area as far as I know. Good Italian restaurants in pubs are very unusual, particularly in a village like this. It's been very well received. 

"We work well with the locals. We try to make them happy as without them we cannot survive. They didn't think it was going to work as an Italian restaurant, but as soon as they saw us in action, they gave us their support and have done ever since, through Covid and everything.

"The locals feel like they are at home. They get priority and they can always say something if they think we're doing something wrong. We'll always try and accommodate. 

"I can't thank the locals enough. They support us 365 days a year and if we can host a party for them or do anything, we do. 

"It's tough at the moment, but we're trying to keep prices the same."

Daily Echo:

On the menu are the Chicken Rustica, Penne Primavera and Diavola Pizza so beloved at La Lupa.

Amstel, Birra Moretti and Fosters go down a storm, alongside a selection of Italian wines.

The family-friendly pub, which allows dogs in the bar area, also boasts regular live music and all the sports channels. On match days, the £5 pizza or pasta deal is a winner.

Daily Echo:

  • The Ox is our pub of the week. If you'd like us to feature your Hampshire watering hole, just click on the link below, visit dailyecho.co.uk/pub-of-the-week or email lorelei.reddin@dailyecho.co.uk