A SLICE of history is returning to Odiham as a 300-year-old name is restored to the High Street.

Following the closure of Next Door, leisure group Red Mist has taken over the vacant building and will restore it to its three-century-old state, The Red Lion pub.

Becoming the leisure group’s eighth pub, works have been announced to invest more than £500,000 into their latest venture.

Work is due to begin in February and take around six weeks, in which time this delightful 500-year-old building will be turned into a destination establishment with seven stylishly chic en-suite bedrooms.

According to historical archives, the site was an ale house called The Red Lion until 1700.

It was then converted into a grocery store and traded as such until 1992, when it reverted to being an inn. And Red Mist has taken steps to reinstate its original name, The Red Lion, for the first time in 300 years.

Currently pencilled in for a late-March opening, Red Mist managing director Mark Robson was excited about their latest venture.

“The Red Lion has an enviable location, situated on the high street of a picturesque and historic village.

“We will be keeping much of the character of the building and by adding Red Mist Leisure’s unique style, we are confident that we can create another destination pub, bar and restaurant with a fantastic atmosphere for dining and drinking.

“Furthermore, this will be our first site in Hampshire to offer customers stylish en-suite bedrooms which will be perfect to serve both leisure and business customers alike.”

The Exchequer pub in Church Crookham and The Wheatsheaf in Farnham are also owned by Red Mist.