The Hobbit Southampton unveils £600k revamp after six months of closure

Staff at The Hobbit on Bevois Valley Road are gearing up to unveil a dramatic refurbishment, which includes one of the biggest beer gardens in the city capable of seating 240 people.

The investment at the pub by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars and Southampton man Jack Andrews has given the pub a unique fantasy theme in keeping with its name as well as creating 10 new jobs.

Jack said: "My plans got even bigger and better during lockdown. People are desperate for a return to normality.

"It’s fantastic to be welcoming them back. With so many music festivals and gigs cancelled in the last year, we’ll be able to cater for pent-up demand and look forward to putting on some great events this summer.”

The Hobbit now boasts a burrow-like bar with faux round windows, a moss wall, wood panelling and leather-upholstered furniture as well as a dungeon-styled live music room.

The room has a stage, a professional sound system and space for an audience of 80. Glazed doors can be opened up, so that bands can be enjoyed by customers in the garden.

The fantasy theme continues outside with an enchanted forest verandah and an armoury-inspired games area sporting two pool tables.

The enlarged garden has seating for 240 – including 150 seats under cover – plus new furniture, planting and festoon lighting.

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An outside bar – complete with draught beer and cider – and a kitchen with stone pizza ovens will serve those sitting al fresco.

A new outdoor stage will enable The Hobbit to build on its reputation for music and hold festivals and other events such as comedy nights for up to 500 people once restrictions are lifted.

The pub will showcase a whole range of musical genres and host bands from around the UK in addition to nurturing local talent.

Other improvements include a cellar overhaul and the installation of state-of-the-art dispense equipment to ensure consistently perfect pints.

The project has also upgraded the toilets, repainted the outside of The Hobbit and erected a feature entrance. A new menu of food and drink will complement the fantasy theme.