WITH lots of pubs closing down at an alarming rate, it is nice to hear that a new pub and restaurant has just opened its doors.

The Dragonfly, in Shetland Road, Popley, officially opened on Tuesday. It is the first pub to open in Popley since The Barbican was closed down in 2010 and then demolished a few years later.

Other Popley pubs included The Pen and Parchment in Popley 1, and The Popinjay in Popley 4. 

Some argue that a pub is a hugely important part of any community, while others feel that estate pubs can attract trouble and violence.

Whatever your opinion, I recommend you check out The Dragonfly.

I was invited to a launch day on Sunday and Anna and her team couldn’t have been more welcoming. 

From this, I have featured this week a selection of Basingstoke pubs past and present.

You can get involved with Flashback Thursday. Send photos to flashbackthursday@gmail.com or by post to Flashback Thursday, Gazette House, Pelton Road Basingstoke RG21 6XD.