A WINCHESTER pub will be handed over to its landlords as they prepare to revamp the establishment.

Veteran landlords Adrian Jones, 59, and Sarah Nubeebuckus-Jones, 44, who were already working at The Roebuck on Stockbridge Road, have started renting from owner Greene King and will fully take over the running of the pub from The Little Pub Group on August 27.

"We are really excited," Sarah told the Chronicle. "We've been doing this for quite some time – about 20 years. We've worked [as publicans] in Devon, Surrey, Hertfordshire, Dorset and the Cotswolds."

READ MORE: The Roebuck Inn re-opens under new management in Winchester

The Roebuck on Stockbridge Road, Winchester (Image: Adele Bouchard)

Sarah, who was born in Mauritius, spoke glowingly about Winchester and The Roebuck's neighbourhood, Fulflood.

She said: "I think it's a good place to run a pub – it's a really good area. Everyone around us is really nice. We've got a good trade with regulars. The emphasis is going to be on pub food done well with good quality ingredients."

The Roebuck has been through a series of different landlords over the past few years, and closed for a time in 2022.

At the time, employees complained about not being paid, even taking the proprietor, Chris Airey, to an employment tribunal.

SEE ALSO: The Roebuck Inn pub in Winchester forced to close

It re-opened in April 2023 under the management of The Little Pub Group, who currently run The Mucky Duck on Hyde Street, The King Alfred, also in Hyde, and The Plough Inn in Sparsholt.

Beyond a changed menu, Sarah and Adrian are hoping to make a few tweaks to The Roebuck's traditions as they take charge. 

"We are looking to introduce a curry night on a Tuesday," Sarah said, explaining that the pub has been closed on Tuesdays until now. "We've also got some plans for Christmas. We'll have a special menu."