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SUPPING a pint around a roaring log fire. It is enough to warm the cockles of any drinker's heart and it is the winter's scene which can be found at the King Rufus in Winchester Road, Chandler's Ford.

To keep the fire roaring there is a sign over the hearth which reads: "Feel free to throw a log on."

The pub gets its name from William the Conqueror's son who was christened Rufus because of his red hair. He was killed in an accident while shooting. The history books say that his body was brought through the Chandler's Ford area during the 12th century en route from Southampton to Winchester Cathedral.

So that is why the inn has a regal name and its menu is overflowing with a feast fit for a king and a queen.

Landlord Mick Lockley describes it as an informal dining restaurant and the grub is so good that last Christmas it was one of Greene King's top performers. And bookings are high for this year's Yuletide feast although there are still a few places at the Christmas Day tables.

During the year lunches are served from midday to 5pm with the dinner menu from 5pm to 10pm.

There is a very popular Sunday carvery, at an appetising price of £7.95, from midday to 5pm and the Sunday menu, with a wide choice of dishes, is from midday to 9.30pm.

Mick, aged 56, has been the host at the King Rufus for about 18 months and business has blossomed, including being runners-up in the Daily Echo's Pub in Bloom competition.

A former policeman, he hails from Nottingham and has been in the licensing trade since the mid 80s, running pubs and hotels across the country.

He is one of a family trio of pub managers. His wife, Karen runs The Rose Revived, which nestles alongside the River Thames at Newbridge, near Abingdon.

While 25-year-old son Gavin is mine host at the Cart and Horses at Kings Worthy. They are all part of the Greene King group so there is plenty of pub talk when all the family get together.

At the King Rufus there is gentle background music to help drinkers and diners get in that relaxed mood.

Summing up the pub's image, Mick says: "It is a quiet, comfortable and safe place."

And it is an environment which is also a big attraction for the business community.

Mick says:"On Monday to Wednesday I sometimes see more laptops than plates!"

On Thursdays there is a very popular singles night and a quiz night on a Sunday is also a big hit with customers.

The King Rufus was a pioneer in banning smoking before it became the law of the land.

It was such a great success that people travelled far and wide to drink and eat in a nicotine-free pub. Outside the inn is still the sign which reads "A pub with atmosphere. Not Smoke."

The pub does not have so many long distance travellers since the no smoking rule became universal.

But those who do pop in can savour the pub's very special relaxed atmosphere.

King Rufus, 135, Winchester Road, Chandler's Ford. Tel: 023 8025 5165.

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