IT'S the pub at the heart of the community which is even embracing dry January.

The Cleveland Bay at Valley Park, Chandlers Ford is all about family, fun and food and that even includes trends not necessarily conducive to a pub's profits.

"We might as well embrace it," laughs general manger Jade Whitfield.

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"We try to cater for everyone and lots of people are doing dry January. We've got the best range of non alcoholic drinks we've ever had this year including gin, cider, ale and lager.

"It's obviously not up there with December, but the New Year has been much busier than I thought so far. I'm really pleased and proud at how people are supporting the local pub.

"We already have some great gluten free dishes on the menu and we've added some meals for veganuary too."

Daily Echo:

Jade and husband John have been at the pub for just over 13 years.

They previously ran a hotel in Wiltshire but wanted to move closer to home to start a family. Jenson, aged 12, and eight-year-old Maisy have been brought up in the pub and have made lots of friends. The same applies to the pub dog, six-year-old Italian Mastiff Lilly, who doesn't mind canine visitors to her home.

The Whitfields have overseen three refurbishments at the pub, transforming it into a family friendly food led pub.

Daily Echo:

The Cleveland Bay is a real village pub with close links to the neighbouring school and nearby church.

A programme of annual events includes garden parties, beer festivals and family fun festivals, which have previously raised £2,500 a time for Southampton's Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.

A Wadworth pub, The Cleveland Bay hosts a quiz night each Monday, poker on Tuesdays and a Saturday walking club.

Regulars just love Birra Moretti, Swordfish ale or Aspall cider as well as pub staples like fish and chips, burgers and nachos.

There's always a warm welcome, in front of a log fire, under the stretch tent or in the large sun trap garden.