WE hear a lot of stories about the closure of pubs and there have certainly been a high number in recent decades as the way of life of the British changes. Victorian Winchester had more than 100 in a city about a third the size it is today.

In recent decades many have shut for the last time and often been demolished or converted into homes, shops or restaurants. Springing to mind in Winchester is the Heart in Hand, the Stanmore Hotel, the New Queen's Head, Chimneys, the Prince of Wales, the Star Inn and the Naval Volunteer.

But it is not all gloom. The Flower Pots at Cheriton is celebrating being in the Good Beer Guide by the Campaign for Real Ale for 50 years. And in this issue of the Chronicle we also report signs of life at two suburban pubs in the city: The Roebuck in Fulflood and the March Hare in Harestock.

READ MORE HERE: New bosses at Winchester pub The Roebuck

The number of pubs may be fewer but the ones that survive are often in robust good health. The March Hare has been taken over by Jonathan Spencer who has been having great success with the Rising Sun in Colden Common and the Dolphin in Hursley.

He clearly knows what he is doing. The days when pubs could offer beer, a packet of crisps ,a dart board and preferential service to the landlord's mates are almost gone. Pubs have had to adapt to survive. Lots have done so. Some are now essentially restaurants which is sad but better than being converted into an upmarket home. But there are many others that while evolving are still essentially 'public houses' where anyone can go, walk up to the bar, buy a drink and chat to a total stranger about the weather or football or whatever comes to mind. Although the age-old wisdom of staying off politics and religion is still good advice.