THIS is the historic village pub rejuvenated under young independent ownership, that even has a rising pool table.

The Clatford Arms in Goodworth Clatford is a privately-owned free house which dates back to the 18th Century.

In recent times, it has received a complete overhaul, going from an "old boys' pub" to a pub "where everyone is welcome".Andover Advertiser:

Shane Wells, 28, and Georgie Littler, 26, are the couple at the helm of the freshly modernised pub in the Test Valley countryside.

READ MORE: The George Inn St Mary Bourne: Advertiser's Pub of the Month for March 2023

Shane, whose uncle owns the pub, told the Advertiser that nearly £200,000 was spent on improving The Clatford Arms, including a "revamped kitchen, extension to the building" and large investment into "sports packages" including SKY and BT.

When Shane and Georgie took over in 2020, The Clatford Arms was rated 59th on Tripadvisor but is now one of the best places to eat in the Andover area. 

Shane said: "We've been fluttering between first and second over the past few months, we enjoy the healthy competition in the town."

Andover Advertiser:

He added that the pub "never had a good reputation for food, it was very inconsistent".

He said: "We made some small changes, including gluten-free items, and making sure to buy food that is as fresh as possible."Andover Advertiser:

The pub was recently awarded a five-star hygiene rating. Shane continued: "We pride ourselves on cleanliness, I'm always happy to invite guests to have a look in the kitchen if they have any concerns."

Head chef Georgie runs the kitchen which is made up of a very small team, whilst Shane is "the face of operations".

He said: "Georgie is the engine behind everything."

Georgie agreed: "Shane wears the trousers, but I tell him what pair."

Andover Advertiser:

Shane and Georgie's tenure at The Clatford Arms has put an emphasis on sports - holding both darts and golf leagues, they even installed a hydraulic pool table, which can retract into the floor.

Shane said that the pair have an added personal touch: "I make it my mission to make conversation with every table.

"We are a public house, we like to invite people into our house and make them feel welcome."

SEE ALSO: The Plough Inn, Longparish - Advertiser's Pub of the Month for February 2023

Andover Advertiser: Georgie added: "We are happy to go out of our way to get specific drinks for our customers."

The couple live with pub dog, Casper, a 10-year-old mastiff-husky cross, and Georgie said that he "likes to join our business meetings by sitting at the table".

This young couple has breathed new life into a dying pub, bringing it into the 21st century and adding a personal touch, which is why The Clatford Arms is the Advertiser's Pub of the Month for April 2023.