Punters have rejoiced after a much-loved boozer reopened following an 11-month closure.

The Windsor Castle, in Shirley Road, reopened on Tuesday and was quickly swamped by customers eager to soak in the new atmosphere.

Helen Duckett, new landlady of the pub that dates back to the 1930s, said: “We’re so pleased to finally be open as we first got the paperwork a couple of months ago.

“We’ve made a few changes with the layout and flooring – we’re not completely done yet as we’d like to add some pictures around the place – but we’re very happy and are pleased to see so many people today.”

The pub closed in November 2023 after Admiral Taverns, owner of the Windsor Castle, said there are “inevitably instances where we have to part ways with a licensee”.

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Tony Brown (left) and Helen Duckett (right) (Image: Matt Davey) Helen added: “I’ve been working in pubs since I was old enough and it’s the first time me and my husband have managed one together.

“We really want to bring the community together and look to put on live music each week when we’re up and running.

“We’re in a great location on the high street and want to run a family orientated pub where everyone is welcome.”

Tony Brown, Helen’s business partner who’s helping overseeing the management of the pub, told the Echo he wants the venue to be a hub for the community.

He said: “We’re aware that in past years the pub hasn’t always had the best reputation, but we want to change that and be a proper community pub.

“The response today has been fantastic and when we were getting ready to open, we had people knocking on the window, asking us when we’d be opening.

“It’s a nice pub and I’m sure we’ll have some events planned in the future leading up to Christmas.”