Pub Awards: Best Turnaround finalist - The Bede’s Lea, Southampton, Hampshire

The pub had a bad reputation due to issues with antisocial behaviour prior to the takeover.

Page (pictured right with GM Rui Lopes and co-owner Daniel King) went about changing the pub’s reputation by marketing it to families with children with indoor and outdoor play areas combined with a mentality to hold festivals, parties, bouncy castles, and party nights.

They also took a brave decision to remove a pool table and attract people who wanted to benefit from a community dining pub.

Festivals

They’ve run beer, cider, and sausage festivals which are combined to make use of the pub’s big Southampton Football Club customer base.

It’s now Heineken’s best-seller in the south, and is often bursting with customers making the most of the family-friendly menu and outstanding carvery option.

The pub has made huge charity contributions, having raised £25,000 to build a school in Gambia from charity fire walks, skydives, hypnosis nights and belly dancing events.