A GIANT pub chain may be opening several new premises in Southampton, the Daily Echo can reveal.

Famed for its real ale, a no music policy and cheap prices JD Wetherspoon is targeting a number of sites in the city.

A spokesman for the massive pub operator told the Daily Echo: “I can confirm Wetherspoons are looking at several sites for new pubs in Southampton and the surrounding area.

“I can’t say more than that at the moment because talks are currently under way but it has been a very good city for us and we want to open more pubs here.

“Like all pub chains we are aware of what has happened with Woolworths and are always interested in a good location when it comes up but the stores are not currently among the sites we are looking at.”

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He went on to say the company was considering sites for both its traditional pubs and its Lloyds bar portfolio. Lloyds bars are owned by Wetherspoon but have later opening times.

He said he could not confirm the number of pubs the company hoped to open or the number of jobs this would bring to the area.

Wetherspoon currently has 20 sites in Hampshire employing about 800 staff including three in Southampton City Centre – The Giddy Bridge, in London Road, The Standing Order, in High Street, and the newest addition Admiral Sir Lucius Curtis.

There is also the Brightwater Inn in Shirley.

The company opened this pub on the site of the former Cork and Bottle in September last year.

It ploughed £430,000 investment into the building and said it would specialise in real ale from local brewers and food.

The pub employs about 40 people, working full or part time.