The Freemantle Arms Freemantle (from Scene South)

FOR more than 178 years this quiet little pub has been providing residents of this Southampton neighbourhood with a cosy place to drink.

When you walk into the Freemantle Arms it's almost like walking into someone's living room as the bar has a fish tank, comfortable armchairs, a roaring wood fire and a well-stocked bookshelf.

And for almost two decades landlords Alan and Christine Couzins have been serving the regulars in this charming pub where everybody knows each other.

As if that isn't enough to tempt you through its doors there are four hog roasts a year on Bank Holiday Mondays in their 140ft beer-garden.

But with old pubs, of course, comes the increased likelihood of a haunting, something that has become a running joke for landlord Alan.

The 63-year-old said: "We have a ghost in the cellar called George who enjoys turning barrels off. Many years ago I was told that he's probably the ghost of one of our old licensees. When I'm down in the cellar alone I usually tell him loudly to leave my cellar alone'."

But apart from dealing with the occasional ghost the couple have been busy over the years raising more than £35,000 for local charities.

This fundraising feat included £15,000 for the neonatal unit at the Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton last year after a regular completed a charity cycle ride around the Isle of Wight.

Alan added: "We've got good ales here and a friendly atmosphere. It's your basic community boozer. A lot of regulars are local and come here after work.

"We have a nice collection of customers ranging from youngsters to older people such as Les who is our oldest regular. It's just like the Rovers Return or the Queen Vic."

Former Second World War Commando Les Hanslip is still able to enjoy a pint at his local as Alan picks the pensioner up every day from his home down the road.

And to keep the punters amused there are a host of teams to join including a ladies darts team, two football teams, a cribbage team and a quiz night every other Thursday.

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