A "proper old boozer" is set to shake up the pub scene in Christchurch when it opens for business next month.

The Smuggler's Run will offer pint pots with handles, a huge range of drinks and pub grub.

And there will also be a 50-cover restaurant in the premises.

The former Ye Olde Starre Inne in Purewell has been taken over by Megan Fowler-Spink and Andrew Fielden, who also run the successful Bodega in Wick Lane, Christchurch.

Renovation work has been carried out in recent months and Megan said they hope to open to customers on November 15.

"It has been an enormous job over the last few months because the building definitely hasn't had a lot of tlc over the years" said Megan.

"We've had to deal with wiring and plasterboard to take it back to the bare bones but it is structurally sound and everything is now coming together."

She added: "It's going to be a fun place. I really love proper old boozers because everywhere seems to have gone down the gastro route.

"We're going to have good booze with a wide range of local drinks and rare drinks."

Megan and Andrew will be running the pub under the umbrella of their Block and Barrel brand.

They are also sub-letting part of the building to a different company who will open a 50-cover restaurant and also provide food for the bar.

Ye Olde Starre Inne closed in November 2018, eight months after receiving a rating of zero in a food hygiene inspection.

Inspectors from the Food Standards Agency found a slug on top of a packet of chicken, decomposed mushrooms and cheese that was 12 months past its sell-by date.

It was one of a number of pubs to close in the area, including The Goose and Timber in Barrack Road, The Lamb at Winkton and the New Queen at Sopley.

The Lamb and the New Queen have since reopened under new management.