Ben Hathaway took over the running of The Sun Inn in Romsey back in November and his entertainment programme, menu and showbiz decor touches are already going down a storm.

As a drag queen of two decades, performing across the country as Lucinda Lases including at The London and The Edge in Southampton, Ben already hosted a popular drag bingo night at the pub each month.

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Living above the pub for the past six years, he decided to take on the whole building when his friend, landlady of 30 years Carol Rickman, retired.

Ben said: "I like this pub so much. I've lived here for six years and I didn't really want to move. I've always joked that I'd take over one day, so when the opportunity arose, I thought I'd go for it.

"We sell out drag bingo a month in advance and I have to turn people away. I may have to make it twice a month. 

"But that's not all. It's all go, go, go. In terms of live music, you name it we've done it. The food also does very well.

"And then you've got me up the front being an idiot and having a laugh. 

"It's more like my front room really. I think a publican should be like that, opening your home to your friends. I certainly spend more time in the pub than anywhere else.

"It's trial and error, seeing what works and what doesn't. Thankfully most things seem to be working well so far.

"Things are going really really well. We're above break even, but costs are so high at the moment. Hopefully, the bills come down and we continue to do well and we're on to a winner."

Drag bingo takes place on the first Tuesday of every month while live music, every Friday night, has included everything from a five-piece covers band to a Beatles tribute and from solo artists to country rockers.

The food offering includes a specials board, a breakfast club at weekends and sell-out Sunday roasts.

The pub's own minted lamb and vegetable hot pot pie goes down a storm and pensioners love the golden years menu, which includes two courses for £9.95.

The Sun, on Winchester Road, hosts a quiz night on Sundays and boasts a marquee in the garden.