Craft 101 at The Hub enjoyed a bumper opening weekend with hundreds of beer lovers descending on the new venue, on Shirley Road. 

They were treated to a huge selection of American style IPAs, stouts, porters, sours, craft lager, ciders, wine and more from a host of local breweries, alongside a spot of live music and a game of shuffleboard. 

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Business partners Glenn Johnson and Megan Trainor fell in love with the historic building, which for many years housed The Hub bike shop and previously businesses including a chemist and a florist, and decided to open their craft ale house right there. 

Glenn, who also runs Island Life craft brewery in East Cowes, has stocked it with his own ales, alongside those produced  by the likes of Dancing Man, Vibrant Forest and Steam Town breweries.

He said: "You will find beers here that you'd never find in any pub in the city and you wouldn't find these great beers in most pubs either.  There's something for everyone.

"Our first weekend was absolutely amazing. We opened the doors at 4pm and by 5pm we were completely full. We didn't expect that, but people seem to have taken it to their hearts already.

"We're so pleased to have opened here, close enough to town, but far enough away from Overdraft further along Shirley High Street. There are craft ale bars all over the city now. The scene in Southampton is massive, we seem to be really putting ourselves on the map."

Craft 101 enjoys a rustic look with wood décor and the occasional bike, a nod to the building's past. 

Once pavement benches are added in the spring, the venue will have a capacity nearing 200 seated and standing. 

Background solo musicians with performances of blues, jazz and easy listening can be enjoyed every weekend and a quiz night will follow soon. 

A tie up with a local pizzeria will soon be announced but Glenn and Megan are looking at ways to produce their own food on site in the future.  

A sister venue is due to open at The Old Curiosity Shop in East Cowes in the new year.