The Barleycorn Hedge End (from Scene South)

IT'S a small Hampshire pub that claims to have one of the best smoking areas in the west. With the introduction of the smoking ban in July, landlady of the Barleycorn pub in Hedge End, Lynda Harper was not sure how it would affect trade as 88 per cent of her customers were smokers.

So the decision was made to create a first-class outside smoking area complete with heaters, chairs and a television to allow the smokers to puff their cigarettes in comfort.

And it has proved a big hit with customers, boosting trade and even attracting non-smokers to take comfort outside.

Lynda said: "We have got a lovely new outside smoking area, which we think is one of the best in the west!

"We are very proud of the smoking area because it is a nice and cosy place for people to sit and smoke and it is much better than a lot of umbrellas I've seen in other pubs.

"But we have also noticed a lot more non-smokers coming into our pub since the ban and many are quite happy to sit outside with their smoking friends and enjoy the facility."

Lynda and her husband Jeff are no strangers when it comes to running a pub and with more than 25 years experience they knew that The Barleycorn was the perfect traditional pub to bring them back to the south.

Since moving to the pub two years ago they haven't changed much about the pub but have brought in a few extra treats of their own.

Once a month they host a disco for regulars, giving them a chance to let off steam and escape from the realities of life.

And with the festive season upon us Lynda and Jeff are spreading some Christmas cheer with an advent calendar offering a different special offer each day in the run up to the big day.

Lynda added: "We are a cosy, traditional English pub that is friendly and welcoming to all ages. We get a great mixture of characters which really boosts the atmosphere."

2 Lower Northam Road, Hedge End, Southampton, Hampshire, SO30 4FQ Tel: 01489 784171.

What are these links for?

If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.

At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.

Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.

Newsquest
Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy © Copyright 2001-2008 Newsquest Media Group A Gannett Company
This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network