Meet the mum '˜determined' to revive a pub just 18 months after a personal tragedy

Lorraine Witheyman has spent the last few months tidying up The Good Intent in Fareham after it received a zero hygiene rating under the previous owners.

The 49-year-old said: '˜This is a last chance saloon for the pub the building owners Admiral Taverns have told me but I am absolutely determined to make a success of it because I really think it can be an amazing community pub.

'˜I have big plans for it and we have launched a new gin menu ready for our opening night on Thursday and lots of other exciting things as well.

'˜I just want it to be somewhere you can bring the kids, your dog, family and friends. You can watch sport on the TV or projector or sit in a quieter place for a chat as well.'

Lorraine, who used to run a pub in Emsworth back in 2000, decided it was time to get back in to the industry after her husband committed suicide.

She said: '˜This pub has been something to focus on and got me out the house instead of sitting and thinking about it.

'˜I needed to go back in to full time work and when I saw this opportunity I knew it was the right thing to do. It is a new beginning for the pub and a new beginning for me as well.'

Due to the zero rating, Lorraine is unable to serve food but she is passionate about providing the whole pub package.

She said: '˜I want to serve food and will do in the future but due to the previous owners getting a zero I can't at the moment but getting a new rating is one of the first things I will be doing after opening.'

Lorraine, who has lived in Fareham for over 28 years, has been tidying up the place with the help of her four children.

She said: '˜When I moved in it was a bit of a tip so we have tarted up the place but Admiral Taverns have said they will pay for a £300,000 refurbishment if my first year is successful which I know it will be.

'˜I also would not have been able to do any of this without the help and support of my children.

'˜I know the community quite well so am looking forward to serving them.'

The pub in Trinity Street is reopening this Thursday, August 23, at 4pm.