A popular wine bar has taken on the reins of a Southampton pub closed for several months.

The doors of the Junction Inn pub have remained closed after it was put on the market.

But the Priory Road pub is set to get a new lease of life thanks to its new owners, Woodies Wine Bar.

The keys to the pub were handed over in August and a provisional reopening date has been set.

"We are giving the pub a full refurb and bringing it back to 2023 standards – it’s going to feel really nice inside," said Connor Miles, general manager of the Netley wine bar.

Although the wine bar is taking over the pub, it will remain a classic watering hole offering a variety of food and drink.

Daily Echo:

Connor said: “We are in the process of refurbishing it and reopening as Woodies at he Junction Inn.

“It’s going to be to the same standard as Woodies in Netley.

“We are going to bring our fresh food and wine bar to the pub, but we are also going to have a really good selection of beers and give the locals what they’re looking for.

“People can expect all the same things as Woodies Wine Bar in Netley, which includes all the fresh, locally sourced food.

“People are more than welcome to make any drinks recommendations too.

“We will be doing lots of live music, our quiz, and a cocktail masterclass.

“You can provide great food and great drink without it costing an arm and a leg.”

READ MORE: Historic Southampton pub closed for 8 months reopens under new owners

Connor is excited to bring Woodies’ great offering to city residents across the pond.

The move comes three years after Woodies opened in Netley.

He thinks the Junction Inn is a prime location for customers, old and new.

He said: “We have been looking for a second venue for the last six to nine months, and we were really looking for a building that was going to fit what we do.

“We are rustic, with fresh food and character. The Junction Inn has so much history behind it with a lovely feel and lots of character, so we knew it was going to work for us.

“And we quite like the area, it needs a good place like this that offers fresh food.

“The pub is on the walk down to St Mary’s Stadium as well, and so many people walk past the pub on a really nice scenic route.”

He added: “I am excited to meet everybody as we have already had lots of people asking what we’re doing.

“In Netley, so many people become regulars and friends, and I am really looking forward to that happening here.

“We are giving the community a space for themselves.”

Woodies at the Junction Inn is set to open on November 1, but this could be subject to change.

Keep an eye on the Woodies Wine Bar social media pages for updates.