Master Builder pub in West End reopens under new ownership

Lorraine Reeves has taken over the Master Builder pub in West End, having previously worked in management, as a forklift driver and behind the bar at various pubs across Southampton.

"This is my first foray in running a pub, but I have worked in pubs since I was 18," Lorraine said.

The 55-year-old is excited to give the Master Builder a new lease of life.

She said: “My husband James and I were locals, and we would walk here for a drink on the weekend.

“We would always say it’s a lovely pub, but not enough people come here.

“The landlord told us they had enough [of running the pub] and heard us talking about it.

“This was in May and now I’m sat here with the keys.”

Lorraine outside the Master Builder (Image: Lorraine Reeves)

READ MORE: Wine bar to take over and reopen pub that's been closed for several months

Extensive refurbishment has gotten underway in recent weeks to prepare the pub for its grand reopening on September 8.

Lorraine said: “We are decorating everything. We have got friends who can help here, and I even have my mum wallpapering.

“The pub itself has been here for years, and I have got lots of old pictures of the pub to hang up on the wall.”

But what can people expect from the pub?

Tradition, with no sport, according to Lorraine.

"It’s going to go back to a traditional, family pub with good quality food," she said.

Lorraine added: “It’s a very big pub but it’s a bit tired, so we have got plants galore to make it look pretty.

“It’s going to be a traditional pub with good quality, home-cooked pub food.

“I’ve also created The Master Burger and we will continue the Sunday carvery.

“A lot of people don’t know about the garden we have behind the pub which is very quiet.”

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The grand reopening is on Friday from 4pm and Lorraine is excited to welcome faces old and new.

She said: “I worked at West End Brewery and The Bittern to get to know people, and I now know hundreds of people.

“I am not doing this for the money, I am doing it because I love this pub and I think it can be so much better.

“I’m excited to pull and serve the first pint and to welcome everybody.”