A BELOVED pub has reopened in Old Basing after being closed for 14 months, with new landlords. 

The Bolton Arms, in The Street, reopened on Friday, January 19, after closing in November 2022 to the dismay of regulars.

Alison Belcher, 56, and Andrew Belcher, 61, who previously owned a construction business, decided to take on the lease for the pub after Andrew had a major operation and found himself unable to return to building work.

Alison said: “It’s our local pub, I have worked at the pub on three occasions over 30 years, and it’s been my husband's local since 1984.

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Basingstoke Gazette:

“We’ve had tremendous support from locals and our family to get it up and running, it’s a new venture for us, and we hope we get it right." 

The pub is currently only open for drinks; however, Alison says that they are planning to start serving ‘good old-fashioned pub grub’ as well as daily specials in mid-February, with a pizza oven open and tapas available in the warmer months, made from locally sourced produce.

“It’s all based on being local. The pub is a free house, so we can try all the nearby breweries,” Alison continued.

Following the reopening, the couple posted on the pub's Facebook page, saying: "Wow! What a turnout for our first day of business. Thank you to everyone who came along to support us yesterday. We highly appreciate all of your patience and well wishes! All of us can't wait to welcome more of you over the coming days and weeks." 

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The Bolton Arms dates from the late 15th century, with parts of the building serving as a school during the day, and a pub in the evening.

The pub will also show a range of sporting events, as well as offering bookings for functions and holding live music events, with plans to establish a regular quiz night. 

The couple has said that dogs are allowed in the bar area of the pub.