IT’S the heart of the community, drawing people in from all corners of a Southampton estate.

With its family friendly atmosphere, reasonable prices and packed events diary, it’s no surprise it’s become the central hub of Millbrook.

Eugene McManus, 41, and Dana Rosice, 41, have been running The Saints pub for the last three years, taking it on not long after it was threatened with closure.

In that time they have worked hard to transform it from a rundown public house which had seen no investment for a long time into one of the most popular venues in Southampton.

The Saints, named after the football club in 1961, now offers a Sunday carvery, live events, including live bands, DJs and talent shows, and of course, screenings of Saints matches. And during the summer, the pub draws punters outside for a series of outdoor entertainment at which they raise thousands for charity.

Eugene said: “I was completely new to running a pub but we’d wanted to run one for a while.

There have been many surprises along the way.

“The Saints is very busy and its performance conflicts with the industry as a whole.

“One of the major factors of its success is the price of the drinks and the general community atmosphere that exists here and the friendly service from our 13 bar staff.”

Prices for both food and drink are very reasonable.

A pint of draft beer is £2.60, but becomes £2.10 during the weekday happy hour 12-1.30pm and 5-7pm, and then £2 between 12 and 2pm, Sundays.

The Sunday carvery is also very popular, selling around 110 meals between 12 and 2.30pm most weeks.

Diners will get a choice of four meats and locally sourced vegetables at £6 for adults and £3 for children and seniors.

They also offer free hire of their large function room, complete with a stage for parties and events.

  • The Saints Pub, Kendal Avenue, Millbrook, Southampton SO16 9LP
  • 023 8077 4215
  • thesaintspub.co.uk