A RINGWOOD pub which closed earlier this year is re-opening its doors to punters.

The London Tavern in Linford Road is due to re-open this evening (Friday, October 11).

A new publican has moved in and will be running the Stonegate Group owned pub going forward.

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A spokesperson for the London Tavern said: "We're excited to reopen our doors this evening to welcome back all our guests for a top-of-the-range tipple.

"Located on Linford Road, we know how important the London Tavern is to the local community and our new publican cannot wait to reopen the beloved pub and start serving the people of Poulner and surrounding areas."

As reported, the London Tavern closed its doors in June following a 'difficult decision' made by previous landlord and licensee Phil Hoyle.

Phil said running a pub had become ‘extremely hard’, and reported his monthly energy bills had soared from £800 to £6000.

“And with Covid debts, wage bill and competition from supermarkets it has become even harder in the last couple of years.

“I also have a serious health issue which requires me to rest for two months, after which I should be back to full health,” Phil added.

Following the closure, Stonegate began searching for an ‘experienced publican(s)’ to take on the pub on a fixed term tenancy.

The company said: “If you are an experienced publican(s) who thrives on being a focal point for the local community then this site is for you."