A WELL-known pub in Lymington is set to re-open following a complete re-brand.

The venue in Stanford Road, previously known as The Saltern and The Thomas Tripp, will be opening up as the ‘Townhouse Pub and Kitchen’ at the end of the month.

It follows a takeover by trio Hayley Darbishire, Steve Pillinger and Dave King, who are excited to put the pub at the “heart of the community”.

Hayley said: “We want to turn it into a traditional pub, with a modern execution.

“We’ll be bringing real pub comforts back to the pub side, for example putting open fires back into the pub, making sure that there’s great real ales and a well-recognised selection of lager and wine.

“On the restaurant side, there will be a great pub restaurant as well.”

Hayley and Steve already own The Cliff House in Barton-on-Sea, and The Lighthouse in Milford on Sea.

The third owner, Dave, had been managing The Lighthouse venue when he was recruited for the new venture.

Together, they have been working to get the Townhouse Pub and Kitchen ready for its opening.

Hayley said: “It is having a bit of a facelift so there’s new colours, we’re repainting it, putting in soft furnishings back into the pub, new furniture, a lick of paint, new toilets downstairs.”

The pub was previously known as The Saltern, but it was closed in February after the existing tenant gave up the lease.

According to the What Pub guide, this was due to “the general economic circumstances”.

Prior to this, it had been known as The Thomas Tripp and had been successfully run by the same landlord for 21 years.

Bournemouth Echo: The venue as The Thomas TrippThe venue as The Thomas Tripp (Image: Google Maps)

Hayley said: “We’ve got experience in running venues where the customer service is paramount. So, it’s about making sure that the customer walking in the door feels welcome and has a fantastic time with us.”

An official opening date is yet to be announced for the Townhouse Pub and Kitchen, but the owners say it will be before the end of April.