Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage visited Nelsons Bar to celebrate the Gosport pub getting back to business after a transformational refurbishment.
The MP visited Nelsons Bar to celebrate its re-opening following a major investment costing £200k by leaseholders Arthur Caraccio and Punch Taverns, one of the UK’s leading pub companies.
The refurbishment took place over six weeks and re-opened on 28th February.
Arthur Caraccio, took Caroline Dinenage on a tour of the premises and then invited her behind the bar to pull a pint.
Caroline Dinenage said: “I was pleased to be able to celebrate the re-opening of Nelsons Bar and see the contribution it has made to the local area, with the creation of 10 local jobs and providing a meeting place to enjoy good food and drink.
“I thoroughly enjoyed working in such a well-run community pub and I look forward to returning in the near future on the other side of the bar.”
Arthur Caraccio was delighted with the pub’s positive start: “The launch was really successful and it’s been really busy ever since. I’ve been overwhelmed by the response.
“We had a warm response from the local residents and they love everything about the new look. My customers really like the new layout, especially the fact that they can people watch outside.
“The food has really taken off and our burgers and ribs are proving particularly popular and our paninis are selling well as part of our lunch-time menu.
“It’s great to see a local MP supporting the pub industry, especially as there has been such pressure on the sector in recent years. I want to thank all of my regulars for their support and I’m enjoying welcoming them back as well as some new faces – which is great!
Ian Pearson, Punch Taverns’ Partnership Development Manager for the Nelsons Bar, commented: “I want to thank Caroline Dinenage for visiting Nelsons Bar. Nelsons Bar is a great example of a pub at the heart of the community in a prominent High Street position within the town, which sets high standards in all areas of the business.
“The pub is performing well and surpassing expectations. I expect this to continue and I look forward to working with Arthur and his team for many more years to come.”