SOUTH Warnborough has been handed a boost with news of a new business coming to the area.

The pub will be named The Poacher Inn following a £350,000 investment.

News of a new pub opening will also serve as good news to the area following the petition to save a pub in Newnham from development.

The pub will be owned by local publican Nadia Schicchi, in what will be her second establishment in Hampshire with national pub operator Punch.

Located on Alton Road in South Warnborough, the pub, previously The Poacher is due to open tomorrow (Saturday), having been closed for several months.

It is being billed a s “traditional English country inn with a contemporary twist”.

Nadia, who runs The Alexandra in Farnborough is delighted with the work ahead of this weekend’s opening. “The Poacher Inn is situated at the heart of a very beautiful village and we want it to be a pub which people love to drive out to as well as one where local people can feel at home.

“So it is important that we develop it as a pub really worth the visit - where people can enjoy the environment, the atmosphere, our food and our drinks and where they want to come back time and time again.

“Things are going very well, the pub has really changed how it looks over the last few months, and I am really looking forward to showing it off.” 

It has been designed to capture the essence of a traditional pub using reclaimed timbers, muted colours, slate floor finishes and featuring a wood-burning stove.

A cosy lounge, spacious bar and separate restaurant areas have been created with the taking down of an interior wall, while outside, the look and approach to the pub have been improved with a new gravel car park and upgraded lighting and signage.

The beer garden, which overlooks countryside, has new plantings as well as an area which is dedicated to growing vegetables, salads, fruits and herbs, all of which will be used and served in the pub restaurant.

The main menu will focus on game and wild food as well as vegetables and salads from the pub garden, while there will also be a homemade lighter menu and daily specials in the bar and a barbecue outside at weekends.

The pub also has six ensuite letting bedrooms.

Nadia and her team are planning activities and entertainment at the pub - including quizzes, live music and wine-tasting evenings.

Russell Martin, partnership development manager for Punch, said: “The pub is beginning to look fantastic and I am very impressed with Nadia’s commitment to making it a pub everyone can be really proud of.

“The improved space and change of decor makes The Poacher Inn very welcoming, and the choice of food in its restaurant and bar looks delicious. I look forward to supporting The Poacher Inn’s team as they develop the business going forward.”