The Bittern, in Thornhill Park Road, Southampton, is pictured here all dressed up for St George's Day, but that's just one of the dozens of events on a packed calendar of live music, sport, entertainment and more. 

Manager of five years Jacqueline Bodley loves being at the helm of the much-loved boozer alongside Steve. 

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She told the Daily Echo: "Here at The Bittern we pride ourselves on being a great entertainments venue with live music, karaoke and discos.

"We have darts and pool teams plus an outside stage in our beautiful garden.

"The pub used to have a bad reputation but it has completely turned around and is now a great place to be, especially on weekends.

"It's a lovely place and the customers make it so with a great atmosphere.

"This pub had a bad reputation, but now it's a wonderful place to go. Ladies even feel safe to come along whereas before they avoided the place.

"It's like one big happy family. We have a few characters, as well as regulars that come most days and great staff."

It was in June 2016 when regulars flocked to the pub for a weekend of jubilant celebrations, welcoming a new chapter in the life of the hostelry, which is now nearly 90 years old. 

The drinking hole had hit the headlines when residents launched a public crusade to save it after plans were revealed to turn it into a McDonald’s restaurant.

A high profile community campaign was successful after a public inquiry rejected the fast food brand’s plans.

The pub was granted special status as an asset of community value and a huge refurbishment was carried out.

Lagers, spirits and cocktails are popular behind the bar at The Bittern these days where a good range of gins and vodkas are also available. 

It's currently a wet-led pub, but hand-held foods and roast dinners could come soon with plans to reintroduce a food offering being considered.