Market Tavern set toget a new lease of life

The high-street pub in Fareham closed after the landlord moved to another Enterprise Inns pub, The Hoeford Inn, on Gosport Road.

This change came after the Hoeford Inn was forced to close suddenly in January before new owners could take over.

Chris Wood, 38, said: ‘We opened The Market Tavern back in November, it was quite successful. Now Enterprise Inns has earmarked it as a managed house – I don’t know who will be opening it.’

After a mutual decision to move Chris to The Hoeford Inn, the previously-named Market Tavern, in West Street, will now reopen next month under the new title – The Ironmasters.

Fareham East councillor, Katrina Trott, said: ‘The name they have chosen is excellent because it links in with Fareham’s rich history with iron working.

‘Fareham used to be a small market town, but it grew into its own identity with its iron foundry where the Tesco store is now.’

Cllr Trott added: ‘I am happy that the pub is being refurbished because it is never good when a pub closes down in the community.

‘Pubs are a huge contributor to the vibrancy of the town and landlords do a lot for the people in the area, which is not always recognised.’

A spokesperson for Enterprise Inns said: ‘The Market Tavern will be undergoing a major refurbishment, with a significant investment of £400,000.

‘We aim to reopen this popular pub in early April with a new name, The Ironmasters, and a range of new offerings – including breakfast and an extensive food menu, which will be available all day.

‘We hope that the pub’s existing customers and other members of the community in Fareham will visit when it reopens to welcome the new team and enjoy their hospitality.’

The opening date of The Ironmasters is still to be confirmed.