Former Saints manager Lawrie McMenemy was the guest of honour at the launch of The Duke on The Test at the weekend.

The relaunch of this much-loved Romsey pub, which the new owners have dubbed a ‘historic 16th Century Inn, reimagined for the 21st Century’, saw hundreds of invited guests, including councillors, mayors, the local MP and even a Duke attend.

The Duke on The Test dates back to 1583 when the first hostelry opened on the site. Since then, the pub has had a rich history until its closure awaiting rejuvenation in 2017.

The beautifully restored historic and traditional pub has now been extensively refurbished and also extended to include 12 en-suite bedrooms and an inviting sunroom blending the highest standards with a countryside and riverside location.

Customers will now be able to enjoy an extended bar and dining areas for over 90 covers, as well as outside patio space. Other features include a double aspect log burner, as well as a snug and library area. Many of the original features have remained including oak beams and an Inglenook fireplace.

Hampshire Chronicle: Lawrie McMenemy and Mark Pinn, general manager at The Duke

Lawrie McMenemy said: “It’s a privilege to be here to open The Duke on the Test. With so many pubs closing down this is a great news story. It’s fantastic for Romsey, the local community, and bringing important investment into the area. It’s also great for me because I live only five minutes away and given the fantastic job the new owners have done with the extension and full refurbishment, with the wonderful interior fit out, as well as the fantastic food I have tried today, I will certainly be a regular customer.”

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Guests also spotted a Duke at the event which created a buzz. It later turned out to be ex Saints star Mark Dennis who had dressed up for the occasion.

Mark Pinn, general manager at The Duke, said: “It was a fantastic re-opening and it’s lovely to be back open. The feedback has been very encouraging. We would like to formally thank David Gleave and Dorothy Baverstock from Test Valley Tourism, Emily Preston from Hampshire County Council, as well as the Rural Development Agency for all their support in bringing our project to fruition. We wouldn’t be here today without all their combined support.”

Hampshire Chronicle: Ex Saints player Mark Dennis dressed as the Duke

Mark added: “We are confident local people and visitors to the area looking for quality accommodation will support. We have created something very special and are now welcoming back old regulars and new customers to The Duke.

“The Duke on the Test will be a wonderful place to meet, eat, drink and sleep in the heart of the Test Valley. We are a stone’s throw from the River Test which makes for a stunning location for customers. We are very dog-friendly in the bar and can offer a river walk just a few hundred yards from the bar. We are now serving delicious home-cooked gastropub dishes alongside local real ales and a fabulous selection of wines and spirits.”

The Duke will be managed in conjunction with the The Four Horseshoes in Nursling which also benefitted from a significant investment with a refurbishment and extension and successfully reopened in 2019.

Management is recommending customers looking to experience the new Duke restaurant book to avoid disappointment. To book a table call 01794 377500.

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