A WELL-KNOWN pub on the River Avon is due to reopen after being taken on by a new landlord – four months after shutting its doors.

The New Queen Inn, between Sopley and Ringwood on the B334, was put up for sale in December last year.

Last week, it was announced that the venue, known for its traditional Sunday lunches and flagstone floors, has been let through Winchester firm Christie & Co to an 'experienced operator', Link Pub Co Ltd.

The company has previously run a number of pubs and restaurants across Dorset and Somerset.

The pub was let on a new lease from owners Avon Tyrrell Estate, which owns the freehold and land.

A spokesperson for Link Pub Co Ltd said: "We are very excited to have secured the leasehold purchase of the New Queen Inn and look forward to re-opening after our renovation works, in the middle of June.

"Avon is a beautiful area and deserves a successful, welcoming pub which can cater for not only the local community, but the many visitors who explore the area every year.

"Our aim is to put The New Queen Inn back on the map as a place to dine. It has previously enjoyed a robust trade and with exciting plans and new ideas in place, we are sure it will continue to be a successful pub for many years to come."

Richard Wood, a senior business agent at Christie & Co, said: “I was delighted to facilitate this transaction which will see another well known pub re-open its doors with a successful operator at the helm.

"We wish Link Pub Co Ltd every success in what will be a strong business for many years to come."

The two-storey pub features an open plan bar and restaurant for up to 140 covers, as well as a garden with lawns, a play area and a decked area with space for another 30 people.