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IT'S always nice to know there is a friendly local pub in your neighbourhood. The Gleneagles pub, on the edge of the New Forest in Hythe, prides itself on being just that - with a little bit extra.

Geoff and Sandie Mercer have owned the pub for nearly 25 years and have transformed it into a thriving local for the surrounding community, as well as offering a friendly welcome with great food and drink to the New Forest's many visitors.

The couple have worked hard to make the "Glen" a proper English pub, based around its golfing theme.

Sports enthusiast Geoff explained he has spent many years doing up the pub, extending it and changing the layout.

He said: "It was called The Jester when we took it over and it was split into two separate bars.

"We have opened it all up and given it a theme. It's now full of stuff I have collected over the years, all golfing memorabilia."

The fact that the regular drinkers return time and time again vouches for the Glen's popularity.

Geoff added: "It's a regulars' pub really because we are a bit off the beaten track.

"The locals like it because it's comfortable, friendly and sociable, and the food menu is good value - and they wouldn't come back if they didn't like it!"

Manager Tracy Angell has been running the pub on a day-to-day basis for two years.

She said: "People like it because Geoff and Sandie have been here for so long.

"Our regulars range from aged 18 to 80, everyone likes to come here and we are trying to cater for everyone.

"I would say 80 per cent of our customers are regulars - it's nice because people know each other and the pub is a meeting place."

The Gleneagles also hosts regular music quizzes and has raised more than £50,000 for local charities through these.

It also has a darts team, a crib team, a golf society, an over-55s diners club and a petanque team.

The Gleneagles, Butts Ash Lane, Hythe, Southampton. Tel 023 8084 2162

3:56pm Friday 13th July 2007

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