Pub reopens following refurb and gets stuck in with charity fun day

The Sovereigns in Kingston Crescent, Buckland, has received a complete makeover to bring a fresh look and feel to the popular venue, which reopened as a Hungry Horse recently.

The introduction of the family brand has seen the pub transformed into a bright, colourful and modern venue, with the introduction of booth seating and improved children’s entertainment – plus it created 15 jobs.

Adam Cheesman, general manager at Sovereigns, said: ‘The Sovereigns provides a fantastic venue for families to get together and enjoy a meal or night out, so we are excited to be able to continue to do this with new, improved surroundings.

‘The opening was a real success with great feedback on the new menu and bright, colourful interiors. My team and I look forward to welcoming more guests in the coming weeks.’

The food on offer has been updated, with the introduction of a new menu focusing on value food and generous portions.

Dishes include chargrilled chicken cooked in a glaze, served with a choice of sides; freshly stone-baked Italian pizzas, hand-stretched in the pub daily and an ice cream bar with 10 different flavours, toppings and sauces.

Marc McGuigan, business unit director for Hungry Horse, said: ‘The refurbishment has improved the look and feel of The Sovereigns and we are pleased to see the fantastic reaction from the community.

‘We hope families continue to come to enjoy the menu and relaxed family atmosphere Hungry Horse is so well known for.’

The pub has already been getting involved with the community and it held a coffee morning in aid of Macmillan on Saturday.

A fun day saw activities take place, with special guests Peppa Pig and SpongeBob SquarePants.

Hospitality manager Debbie Wilson said: ‘It was brilliant. We raised £605 in just four hours. It went well, everyone enjoyed it and we had a good turn out.’

The pub is owned by Greene King, which was founded in 1799. It employs about 44,000 people across its main trading businesses; Pub Company, Pub Partners and Brewing & Brands.

Greene King operates 3,000 pubs, restaurants and hotels across the UK, including The Farmhouse, in Burrfields Road, Copnor, The Seagull, in Cornaway Lane, Portchester, and The Heron, in Petersfield Road, Havant.