The Hobbit, Southampton gets £750,000 revamp

Work is underway to transform one of the city’s most well-known watering holes.

The Hobbit will be “ripped out from top to bottom” and brand-new bars put in.

Both upstairs and downstairs toilets will be replaced.

Meanwhile, outside, the pub in Bevois Valley Road will get a “facelift”.

Around 20 heaters will be installed in an ‘enchanted forest-themed’ garden and new roofing for a pagoda will be put up.

Revamp work at The Hobbit in Southampton

Owner since 2019, Jack Andrews told the Daily Echo that around £750,000 has been invested into the pub - which he stressed: “needed it”.

He said: “We plan on making it a live music venue with bands every Friday and Saturday.”

The 30-year-old added that he is very excited about the project and hopes the refurbished Hobbit will reopen on June 21 when pubs can serve customers without the rule of six, social distancing or other coronavirus restrictions.

Work has already been done to revamp a band room for music performances and a new sound system rigged up.

Hanson Leech, who co-owns the Hobbit says he has high hopes for the ambitious scheme.

The 48-year-old who started drinking at the site in 1991 when he was a student at Southampton University said it was a “massive refurbishment”.

He added: “We have a lot of great staff who are itching to serve people out enjoying themselves.”

Revamp work at The Hobbit in Southampton

Hanson has said that the existing bar upstairs has been ripped out and will be replaced with one “three or four times longer”, and which will mean reduced waiting times.

The two who both live in the city, plan to keep the fantasy theme at the pub and to attract an ‘alternative’ clientele.

Jack and Hanson also co-own the Black Phoenix in Carlton Place which has been providing a takeaway service throughout lockdown. To stay updated on its reopening, visit the Hobbit Facebook page.