A community pub in Gosport is set to reopen after a major investment worth thousands of pounds.

The White Horse on Nobes Avenue was closed in 2023 but is now set to reopen in March following a £239,000 refurbishment.

A statement from The White Horse says the pub will be transformed with full redecoration of the main bar area and the function room with new flooring fixtures, fittings and furnishings, giving the pub a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Outside, the pub will receive updated lighting and signage to greet customers as well as a revamp to the garden to give it a fresh, modern look.

Philip Coleman will be behind the bar alongside his partner, Leigh, when the pub reopens.

He said: “The pub is looking fantastic – I really can’t believe how much its transformed already! I can’t wait to get behind the bar as the operator, show off the pub’s brand-new look and welcome new and old customers in.

"We will work hard to support the community in any way we can, and we’ll be starting off by collecting food for a local food bank, and donations to get a defibrillator installed.

"Pubs are the hub of their community, and we can’t wait to be the hub of Gosport.”

The White Horse says it will run a busy schedule of regular entertainment to bring the community together including karaoke, quiz and bingo nights and will host both darts and pool teams.

The pub boasts Sky Sports, TNT and horse racing channels and looks forward to introducing various fundraising initiatives to support local charities.

Staff will be working with fellow residents to help supply meals to members of the local community in need.

The White Horse is part of Proper Pubs, the community wet-led operator division of Admiral Taverns, which has more than 200 pubs across England, Scotland and Wales.

Matthew Gurney, operations director for Proper Pubs, said: “I’m really excited about the opening of The White Horse, and especially to welcome Philip as the operator!

"The team is working extremely hard on this refurbishment and it’s looking incredible already.

"We’re just finalising those finishing touches to ensure its ready to open in just a few weeks’ time."