FOLLOWING a succession of landlords since it reopened after a major fire that gutted The Green Dragon in March 2014, the pub in the heart of Liphook has just been taken over by David Stanley.

He comes with 46 years of experience in running watering holes – his last success was The Plough in Redhill, which he ran for the last eight years.

He said: “I took over The Green Dragon last week, and aim to serve good food, ales and wine in a safe, clean and friendly environment”,

“I have tremendous respect for the people, who want their village pub back and have signed a long-term lease with Enterprise as well as investing £10,000 already.

“My aim is to invest a lot more money into the pub, build a lovely patio area at the back, as well as a nice garden and enlarge the kitchen and upgrade the equipment.

“There is a wood-burning stove creating a friendly warm atmosphere in one of the bars and a roaring fire with comfy chairs on the other side of the bar.

“At present we can do 30 covers and several people have already visited and tasted our menu, which has received lots of praise.”

David’s house rules include no children under the age of 10 can be admitted to the pub, and he will not feature any entertainment.

“In my last pub, I had the same rules about children and it was very successful,” he said. “Not everybody wants to have children running around when they go out for a drink or a meal. I have grandchildren myself, but the pub is not the place for them to be.

“I will be holding an official opening ceremony in March, after some of the work has been completed.”

The Green Dragon, on London Road, serves coffee and tea, as well as breakfast from 10am, warm food Monday to Saturday frm noon until 3pm and 6pm-9.30pm. Sunday roast and lunch is served from noon until 5pm.