A PUBLICAN who was forced out of an Andover pub she was managing has said she has signed a lease for a new pub.

Victoria Harber, who used to run The Queen Charlotte Inn on London Road, refused to give more details about her new business, but confirmed to the Advertiser that her new pub will be open soon.

“It’s too early to publicise the plan for the new pub. But I can confirm that I have a new lease signed,” Vicki, who is also a Test Valley councillor, said.

READ MORE: Andover's Queen Charlotte pub reopens

She was the landlord of The Queen Charlotte Inn until November when she was left with no choice but to leave after the pub company made a huge increase in its rent.

The Queen Charlotte Inn has also reopened last week after it was taken over by a new management.

Reacting to the news of her old pub reopening, Vicki said she is happy for the villagers.

“The local people need it. I’m glad that my regular customers don’t have to travel far anymore. It’s good that they got their local drinking hole back.”

Vicki hasn’t gone back to The Queen Charlotte since locking its door for the final time on November 19.

Vicki had found herself tossed out of her premises after the pub owner Stonegate pub company increased the rent by 73 per cent (from £34,000 to £59,000 per year).

Having originally been told that her tenancy would be renewed when it expires in November, Vicki was informed in July of the planned price hike, after she had already invested significantly in her business, including buying new decking.

The company had claimed the hike in rent is to cover necessary refurbishments, but would not include the cost of fixings and fittings.

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After taking the difficult decision to leave the pub, Vicki had said it was heart wrenching.

“I have been here for five and a half years,” she told the Advertiser then.

“This pub was a friend to me. It’s heart wrenching and heart-breaking.”

The Queen Charlotte has now been taken over by Sussex Inn.

Its new manager Joshua Druce said the pub is now half-opened, while the kitchen and half of bar are undergoing refurbishments. The pub will open fully in February before the start of Six Nations Championship on February 5.

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