A popular Hampshire country pub is gearing up for its first anniversary.

Staff at The Duke on The Test, near Romsey, will be celebrating with customers on Saturday, July 8, as the country inn and restaurant marks a major milestone after a successful first year following an extensive refurbishment and extension.

People can expect a day full of live music, a BBQ street food menu and some tipples such as a new Spicy Duke cocktail. 

The relaunch of the pub, which has been dubbed a ‘historic 16th century inn, reimagined for the 21st century’, has been beyond the expectations of management.

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Mark Pinn, general manager, said: “We want to share our first anniversary with as many of our customers as possible so we have an exciting BBQ street food menu for our big day which we know customers will enjoy. No need to book – just turn up.

Hampshire Chronicle:

“We would like to extend our thanks and deepest gratitude to the wonderful community of Romsey, as well as our loyal customers who have made our first year such a success.

“The feedback has been very encouraging, and we have exceeded our own expectations. The objective is to continue to offer our customers the same excellent service and quality food that they have become accustomed to.

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“The Duke on the Test is 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 a dog-friendly in the bar and can offer a river walk just a few hundred yards from the bar. We are serving delicious home-cooked gastropub dishes alongside local real ales and a fabulous selection of wines and spirits.”

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 pub is managed in conjunction with The Four Horseshoes in Nursling which also benefitted from a significant investment with a refurbishment and extension and successfully reopened in 2019.