A ROMAN Way woman’s ‘dream has come true’ after relaunching a pub in Pilgrims Way last week.

Manager Sonia Thorne took over The Swallow, which reopened for the first time in just over a year, on Wednesday, 29 November.

The 46-year-old, who managed The Merlin for a year in the 1990s, is hoping to create a respectable, community pub for residents to enjoy.

She said: “It’s brilliant, everyone’s happy that we’re here.

“We’re here for the residents around the area and I want to turn the pub around to how it was years ago with entertainment and cheap beer.

“I just want to welcome everybody, old and new, hopefully get support from the outside.

“We’ve got friendly faces behind the bar, so if anyone’s feeling lonely, young or old, you can come out for a bit of a chat.

“You don’t have to sit at home alone, you can come here. I’m looking forward to [managing this pub] - it’s my absolute dream coming true.”

Ms Thorne is hoping to bring in entertainment in the near future, including bingo, themed nights, speed dating, live music and serve food. The pub also has a function room and shows sport via a projector.

Ms Thorne’s partner, Justin White, will help run the pub.

The former Floral Way lollipop lady and Balksbury Infant School dinner lady has an eight-month lease, which will be turned into five years if successful.

She added: “Come on support your local pub and let’s keep it going.”