A PUB company has received interest from operators wanting to take over one of Winchester’s longest-running vacant pubs.

Star Pubs and Bars expects building work on the First In Last Out (Filo) to start mid-next year.

The Heineken business announced in May that it's planning a £240,000 refurbishment of the historic pub, in Wales Street, which was closed due to structural issues in 2019.

The free house has since been up for lease, advertised with an ingoing cost of £38,291 and annual rent of £27,165.

READ MORE: Winchester's longest running vacant pub to receive £240,000 refurb

A spokesperson for Star Pubs and Bars said: “We have had interest in the First In, Last Out from a number of operators, but we want to ensure we select the right person to take it on. We anticipate building work will start mid-next year.

“Anyone interested in finding out more can call Star Pubs & Bars on 08085 94 95 96 or visit starpubs.co.uk.”

The major revamp is subject to the company finding a new licensee. If all goes to plan the pub will have a new kitchen, upgraded interior decor including new furniture and a darts area and a landscaped riverside garden for alfresco dining.

Hampshire Chronicle: Star Pubs and Bars' designStar Pubs and Bars' design (Image: Stars Pubs and Bars)

SEE ALSO: City pub remains closed despite owners' original plans for it to re-open by September

The listed building had urgent structural works in 2021, with the entire gable end wall not properly attached to the rest of the building.

In 2013, its bedrooms were labelled the worst B&B rooms in the country and featured on the TV programme The Hotel Inspector when it tried to improve them.

The First In Last Out has been dispensing beer since at least 1896, originally as a beer-house that was licensed to sell beer but not spirits.

The pub has been a free house since 1976 having previously been a Charringtons house.