AN EAST Hampshire couple are looking forward to rolling out the barrel after taking over a landmark pub in Horndean which is getting a six-figure refurbishment.

Cliff and Gemma Watts are plotting a course from Petersfield town centre as the current landlords of The Square Brewery will be handed the keys to the Ship and Bell on April 12.

The opportunity to take over the London Road watering hole was too big for the couple to ignore, with around £370,000 being spent on its much-needed refurbishment.

“Over the last three years we’ve put our blood, sweat and tears into the Square Brewery,” said Mrs Watts.

“We’ve turned it round and had a fantastic time but this is a great opportunity for us.

“We’ve always kept our eyes open but we’ve got friends and family in Horndean and when the opportunity came up to get the Ship and Bell we thought we might not get it again.”

The couple have bought the tenancy from Fuller’s, prompting holding manager Samuel Hardman and his team to call time on their work at the bar last Thursday.

Mr Hardman and his colleagues thanked customers for their “amazing” turnout and support at the closing party, with regulars doing their best to drink the pub dry.

The historic inn, once at the heart of the Gales brewing empire, will boast a new kitchen, restaurant and interior when it’s relaunched as a “food pub”, hopefully on Friday, April 21.

Accommodation will still be available but the number of rooms will be slashed to three as the block at the back of the building is being sold off.

Cliff and Gemma will miss The Square Brewery but they are confident their new venture will be a success, as the Petersfield pub was in equal need of a revamp when they took over.

“The Ship and Bell has got so much potential,” added Mrs Watts. “It’s local, it’s bigger, it’s a new challenge, so why not?

“We might not get that opportunity again but we will be sad to leave The Square Brewery. We turned that place around and I’m sure we’ll be able to do the same again in Horndean.”

The Ship and Bell dates from the 17th century when it was one of five coaching inns in Horndean.

It was a chance for a change of horses either before or after the seven-mile stretch between the village and Portsmouth.