THE VILLAGE Inn at Buriton has now re-opened after its new owners secured a six-figure finance package from HSBC bank to buy the empty premises.

Rachel Jameson and Chris Cooper have completely revived the pub which has been empty since April 2016, creating 12 new jobs in the process.

The couple agreed a £516,000 commercial mortgage with HSBC and have converted the building into a 14-bedroom hotel and gastro pub.

Chris Cooper said: “HSBC has been incredibly supportive and was quick to put the funding we needed in place to purchase the premises.

“Now that we’ve opened, we are able to offer a greater range of services and facilities than before.”

And wines, beers and spirits and food, will be sourced locally, and a ‘Gin Shed’, will offer 25 different types of gin.