The Bitterne Park Hotel freehold has been sold by pubco Ei to a new company which is continuing to run it - now as a free house.
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Richard London, pictured, who worked at the Bitterne Park for three months as manager for Ei’s subsidiary Pub Solutions, is staying on and said the freehold had been sold to new owners.
There are plans to “breathe new life” into both the interior and exterior of the imposing building - possibly with a return to letting rooms as part of the offer.
“The vision for the place is to give the locals what they want,” Richard said. “We want to give them a safe environment to come and meet their friends, while also being able to enjoy the things that they want to enjoy.
“I think they want good quality food. I think they want good quality live music. I think they want sports.”
He said the new company had restored sports on its first day, and had already seen a spike as a result.
Richard also hinted at a possible name change to come, although nothing has yet been agreed.
As reported, the pub was previously recognised by the council as an Asset of Community Value (AVC), but it’s thought its listing expired in May.
Previously
Pubco selling Bitterne Park Hotel