A NEW nautical-themed micropub in Romsey could open its beer garden to customers for 11 hours under fresh plans.

A planning application to revamp the empty 8 Market Place into the Cocky Anchor was approved by Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) in December.

The plans, submitted by Anchor Real Estate Ltd, will see the ground floor of the grade II listed building transformed into the pub, while the second floor and attic will be changed for residential use.

Now, new plans have been submitted so thirsty customers can enjoy a pint in the beer garden from 11am to 10pm.

Drinkers should still be able to enjoy a tipple past 10pm as the micropub plans to stay open until 11pm seven days a week, according to a document submitted to TVBC.

The public could also enjoy a cosy chat in a small room at the back of the pub, dubbed the "snug", the document adds.

This comes after the Advertiser spoke to managing director of Anchor Real Estate Ltd, Ian Paxton, who revealed the watering hole could host as many as 40 people indoors.

He said: "I have lived in Romsey for over 20 years now, I have always liked this building and remember when it was Boots; when the opportunity came up I thought it was the perfect place to have a nautical-themed pub, because it has views of the abbey and the Market Place.

"My wife, Libby, who used to be a warfare specialist in the navy, and my family have strong links with the navy, so I thought this would be a good thing to do.

"The pub could hold around 40 people, which doesn't include the beer garden."

When asked how the pub will stand out compared to its competitors, Ian said: "We will not serve food, apart from snacks, so it will be a traditional pub and a nice place to come for a drink.

"There will not be any loud music either, it will be a quality pub where people can sit down and enjoy a conversation."

Ian said there will also be nautical objects hanging from the ceiling and customers will even be able to sit on gun powder barrels to match the theme of the micropub.

The business owner previously said he was planning to "open in February", but admitted it was dependent on what coronavirus restrictions were in place at the time.

As part of Boris Johnson's roadmap out of lockdown, pub gardens could be allowed to reopen from April 12 at the earliest.

Step two of the four-stage plan means customers will have to stay seated when they order food or drink outside.

The Government binned the previous "substantial meal" rule, or Scotch egg rule, and the nightly curfew due to the confusion both caused.

Thirsty customers may be allowed to drink and dine inside pubs from May 17 during step three, but visitors must stick to the rule of six or, if there are more people, two households.