Staff at The Hunters Inn in Swanmore report having seen a presence dressed in white they believe to be the ghost of a young lady killed by her jealous sister in a row over a potential suitor.

These days the pub, which dates back to its days as a coaching inn on the route from Portsmouth to London, is best known for the giant rainbow horse outside, a joke addition after a horse was brought into nearby pub The Brickmakers.

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The Hunters Inn, privately owned alongside Botleigh Grange and Royal Swan venues close by, was purchased prior to lockdown and reopened in August 2022 following an extensive refurbishment. 

It is known as the cheapest pub in the area with a pint of Cold River setting punters back £3.40 while Pravha is £4 and Madri £4.30 a pint. 

Open 365 days a year, including Wickham Horse Fair this coming Monday, and Christmas Day, the pub hosts regular live music, bingo, discos, karaoke, a curry night and mother and toddler group.

General manager Angela Farmer has been busy boosting business for the popular pub, introducing a weekly bike night and promoting the family fun day with live music, bouncy castle, barbecue and magician on August 18 and gin festival on August 25 with outside bar, cocktails and more live music. 

She said: "It's down to me to get everyone in, but after that our team is just outstanding. We're going from strength to strength and it's all down to them. They work so hard.

"We've been really busy. We've got the space and we do lots with it!"

The pub regularly hosts wakes, christenings and birthday parties and will be bringing a bouncy castle in as an addition to the children's play area in the spacious garden this summer. 

The menu includes basket meals, fish and chips and Sunday lunches. 

The Hunters, which shows live sports on TNT, is launching a darts team and always supports the local schools and community groups with raffles and fundraising.