FOLLOWING the departure of the previous landlords who left due to rising costs, a new landlord has taken over a pub in a Hampshire village and is "over the moon" with his investment.

Former pub landlord, Jason Colbourne has returned to his roots after years away from the industry he loves spent focusing on his family.

The new manager of The Cricketers Inn in Easton said he has “no concerns” despite the cost-of-living crisis which caused the previous landlords to leave.

Mr Colbourne, 54, said: “I’ve brought pubs back to life when they were virtually in the grave before. I did that all over the country so I’m very optimistic I can make this pub work – if I can’t I’ll retire.

Hampshire Chronicle:

READ MORE: Hampshire pub company supports staff through cost-of-living crisis

“I’m loving it, it’s absolutely superb. I’m over the moon with the pub and I can’t wait to get rocking and rolling.

“It’s quiet at the moment but it won’t be once I get my teeth sunk into it. The Sunday roasts are going to be the best around, we’ve got two pub dogs that welcome people in and I’m going to redecorate and get the letting rooms up and running.

Hampshire Chronicle:

“The response from the village has been amazing. Word gets around fast.”

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Jason, better known as Jay, lives in Stockbridge and got the pub bug back when he recently helped his friend take on the Cart and Horses in Kings Worthy.

Temporary owners have kept The Cricketers running after landlords Donna and James left in January and now Mr Colbourne is looking for a whole new team to revive the venue.

The new landlord is hoping for a staff crew of eight people including two cleaners. The Cricketers is open every day from midday until 11pm in Easton Lane.