The Fighting Cocks in Godshill undergoing refurbishment

The Fighting Cocks in Godshill was taken over by owners Debbie and Duane Lewis 18 months ago, owners of eight pubs across Wiltshire, Dorset and Hampshire including The Lamb Inn and The New Forest Inn.

The pub has been closed while refurbishment works take place and is due to reopen on Saturday, November 30 with its new look.

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Debbie said: "We're really excited about it - it was tired and needed refurbishing. It's costing a lot of money at a time when money is quite tight but we have had it for 18 months and wanted to do it because we want our locals to come in and enjoy our refurb and we've got a new menu to try.

"It's going to be a lot cosier, really nice and a countryside, traditional feel to it."

The pub is popular for visitors at the nearby Sandy Balls, as well as walkers passing by in the New Forest.

The Fighting Cocks is undergoing a £250k transformation (Image: Debbie Lewis) Refurbishment works include but are not limited to a fully-replaced bar, all new tables and chairs, new flooring and renewing four rooms to offer accommodation. 

These rooms come as part of a full refurbishment of the upstairs - an area previously left unused and in need of decoration.

They will be named with a nod to the area's history, named after former RAF bases: Beaulieu, Stoney Cross, Ibsley and Holmsey. They will be available to let for holidaymakers and visitors to book into once the pub reopens.

A "snug" room is being transformed and named The Churchill Room because Churchill and Eisenhower used to meet in there for meetings during the war. This will be a secluded area that will be suitable for large groups, parties and functions.

A new entrance which will take visitors straight into the bar has been added and the owners are keen to continue to allow dogs and wellington boot wearers inside. 

The pub's new menu and Christmas menu can be viewed on its website here.