A popular Fareham boozer has re-opened under new management after being sold off by Wetherspoons.

The new owners of the Lord Author Lee pub have reopened the venue on Friday, May 10, after chain, Wetherspoons, sold off the beloved Fareham watering hole in 2023.

This follows a trend of Wetherspoon pub closures across the UK, with the Admiral Sir Lucius Curtis in Southampton, now reopened under new ownership as The King Canute.

Located on West Street in Fareham town centre, the 9,129 square foot pub was previously a Co-op store and named after a former MP for Fareham who was elected back in 1900.

Taking to Facebook to publicise the relaunch of the pub, a spokesperson for the Lord Arthur Lee said: “We welcome you all to join our new page under the new management of Steve & team.

“We can’t wait to meet you all when we reopen the doors as an independent family pub company.

READ MORE: Pensioner knocked off bike by dog on Southampton Common

“Our team want to assure you all that we intend to carry on with the great service Wetherspoons has given you over the many of years.

“We hope to become more of a traditional family run pub still offering great value for money drinks and food.

“Any positive feedback or suggestions you would like to see happen in your local community pub please get in touch.”

When the boozer was first put on sale in December of 2023, the pub was marketed to potential buyers at a cost of £400,000 by estate agent Savills.

The new owners have also been advertising for experienced bar staff and asked any potential candidates to get in touch with them.

Previously, Wetherspoons confirmed there would be no redundancies and that staff would have the option to stay with the new owners or work at the chain’s other pubs in the region.