SET in the heart of Hampshire it is the historic pub that has had a dramatic makeover.

The historic Titchfield Mill in Fareham, part of the Vintage Inns group, has reopened after a £260K overhaul which is hoped will put the pub back on the map as one of the best foodie destinations in Hampshire.

The pub on Mill Lane, closed for four days while the refurbishments took place to breathe new life into the charming country pub, before being unveiled to the public at a special VIP evening.

The pub prides itself on its food and one of its speciality dishes is the duck supper which costs £16.50.

The cheapest pint at the pub is a Carling which costs £3.40, and the pub has five real ales to choose from.

As the name suggests, the Titchfield Mill was originally a water mill, with its origins dating back as far as 1779, it stopped operating as a mill in 1939 and became an inn some years later.

But the pub is looking ahead at the future while celebrating its past and Daryl Radwell, 29, has taken over as General Manager of the pub and has big ambitions for the re-launch.

He has moved 70 miles for the venture from his former role as the landlord of The Swallows Return in Worthing.

Daryl, who was crowned Vintage Inns General Manager of The Year 2016, said:I’m really looking forward to reinvigorating The Titchfield Mill. The re-launch is all about re-building trust in the local community and wowing them with all the changes we’ve made here. For me it’s all about guest satisfaction and great tasting, quality food – we want to make it the best country pub in Fareham!

“Our VIP event was hugely successful with both new guests and locals. Everyone enjoyed helping themselves to canapés from our new menu, and it was fair to say that some of our latest additions such the maple glazed chicken wings, seared fillet of sea bass with asparagus, lobster and samphire sauce, and Cornish kiln-smoked bacon rib were a big hit. I would encourage anyone who hasn’t already visited us since the reopening to pop along for a leisurely lunch or dinner with friends, and experience for themselves how we’ve transformed the space for the better. It really does feel so much bigger and brighter and like a real home from home, which is exactly what a country pub should feel like.

“We’re over the moon with the changes and we just can’t wait to show it off now!”