The pub opened on April 7 inside Whiteley Shopping Centre, taking over the former Jurassic Grill site.
Following a £1.3 million investment, the venue has been fully transformed into a modern Wetherspoons while still keeping the chain’s signature style.
Inside, customers will find:
A 10-metre-long bar
New furniture throughout
A bespoke carpet design
Historical photos reflecting the local area
A 708 sq ft beer garden
“A Great Addition to the Local Scene”
Pub manager Lucy Dempsey said she and her team are looking forward to welcoming customers and believe the venue will quickly become part of the local social scene.
Mia Gordon, centre director at Whiteley, also welcomed the opening, saying it adds more choice for visitors looking to eat, drink and spend time at the centre.
What It Means for Locals
This isn’t just another pub opening. A Wetherspoons inside a shopping centre brings a different kind of crowd and convenience.
It means:
Affordable drinks in a central location
A place for breakfast, coffee or a quick stop
A social hub right in the middle of a busy retail spot
Wherever Wetherspoons opens, it tends to draw attention — and this one is likely to be no different.
The Real Question
Will this become your new local, or just somewhere you stop off after a day of shopping?
A proper local is under threat… and the regulars aren’t buying the reason.
A 240-year-old pub in Fareham could be forced to shut its doors after being warned that just one more complaint might tip it over the edge. But instead of quietly accepting it, locals are kicking off — and saying there’s more going on than meets the eye.
The noise row that could end it all
The Golden Lion Fareham has been part of the High Street for generations — the kind of place where everyone knows your name, and there’s always something going on.
From weekly live bands to themed nights, it’s not just a pub… it’s a bit of a lifeline.
But now, the venue has been warned that another noise complaint could lead to a Noise Abatement Notice. If that happens, live music likely gets scrapped — and without that, the pub says it simply won’t survive.
“It feels personal”
Landlord Jamie Jewell, who runs the pub with his husband Steve and their team, believes the situation isn’t just about noise.
He’s spoken out about abuse and homophobic slurs being directed at him — and says the complaints feel targeted rather than genuine.
The pub is known locally for its inclusive vibe, even hosting lively Gay Bingo nights packed with laughs, drag, and a bit of cheeky humour — something many regulars say is exactly what makes the place special.
More than just a pub
This isn’t just about losing somewhere to grab a pint.
The Golden Lion:
Has raised thousands for Rowans Hospice
Supports a tight-knit community of regulars
Employs seven staff who now face losing their jobs
For some customers, it’s their main social hub — including older locals and those who don’t have many other places to go.
And now, they’re fighting back.
Locals rally to save it
A petition to save the pub has already pulled in over 1,000 signatures, with more being added daily inside the bar.
Supporters say the pub has gone above and beyond to deal with any noise issues — installing soundproofing, double glazing, and even moving smokers away from the front.
One nearby resident has even said they can’t hear a thing from inside their home.
Yet complaints keep coming.
Council still “monitoring”
Fareham Borough Council has confirmed no official notice has been served yet, but they’re continuing to investigate complaints as they come in.
If a Noise Abatement Notice is issued, the pub would have the right to appeal — but for now, everything hangs in the balance.
Last orders… or a comeback?
For a pub that’s survived 240 years, this could be the toughest fight yet.
Between the live music, the laughs, and the community spirit, locals aren’t ready to let it go without a scrap.
And judging by the support so far… this one could get loud in more ways than one.
Would your local survive without live music… or is that the whole point of a proper pub? Tag a mate you’d save your local with.
It’s not something you see every day — a supermarket opening a pub.
But that’s exactly what Lidl is doing in Northern Ireland, after running into a legal roadblock that stopped it selling alcohol in the usual way.
A different route to selling alcohol
The new pub is being built next to Lidl’s store in Dundonald Belfast, and will operate as a standalone venue with space for around 60 customers.
Unlike Lidl stores elsewhere in the UK, this site has never been able to offer its full range of beers, wines and spirits due to local licensing restrictions.
Rather than abandon those plans, Lidl has taken a different approach — securing a pub licence instead.
Why Lidl couldn’t get a standard licence
Alcohol licensing laws in Northern Ireland are significantly stricter than in England, Scotland and Wales.
There are two key hurdles:
New licences are limited, meaning businesses must usually acquire one from an existing premises that has closed
Applicants must pass what’s known as an “inadequacy test”, proving there aren’t already enough licensed premises in the area
In this case, Lidl was unable to meet the criteria for a standard off-licence attached to its supermarket.
However, it was able to meet the requirements for a pub licence — partly because nearby pubs had ceased trading, creating availability within that category.
A long-running plan
According to Gordon Cruikshanks, the development has been in progress for several years.
He confirmed that Lidl has been part of the Dundonald community for over two decades, but that customers there have not had access to the retailer’s full product range due to licensing limitations.
The new pub and adjoining off-sales facility will allow Lidl to offer those products locally, including beers, wines and spirits — some of which are produced in Northern Ireland.
What the pub will offer
The venue will not be inside the supermarket itself, but located in a separate unit adjacent to the store.
It will function as a traditional public house, while also allowing customers to purchase alcohol for off-site consumption through the associated licence.
The concept is relatively small-scale, focused on serving the local community rather than operating as a large-format hospitality venue.
Not a sign of wider expansion
Despite the attention the project has received, Lidl has indicated that this is not the start of a wider move into the pub sector.
The circumstances that made the development possible are specific to Northern Ireland’s licensing system and the local availability of licences.
With more than 13,000 stores globally, Lidl is not expected to replicate the model across other regions where licensing laws differ.
A reflection of changing conditions
The development highlights how regulatory frameworks can shape business decisions in unexpected ways.
In this case, restrictions designed to control the number of licensed premises have led to a supermarket entering the pub market — albeit in a limited and highly localised form.
For Dundonald, it will mean access to a broader retail offering and the addition of a new licensed venue.
A small independent pub in Sneinton has once again proved that you do not need to be a huge venue to make a big impression.
The Partizan Tavern has been recognised as one of Nottingham’s standout cider pubs after earning fresh praise for its range of real cider and perry, continuing a run of recognition that has helped put this compact independent venue firmly on the map. The pub is an independent micropub on Manvers Street and is known for rotating real ales, multiple real ciders and perries on draught, plus a large bottle and can selection.
From Former Betting Shop To Award-Winning Micropub
What makes the story even better is how the pub came to life in the first place.
The Partizan Tavern was opened in 2021 after owner Tony Perkins, a former electrician, decided to take a different path following the pandemic. The venue itself was converted from a former betting shop into a proper independent micropub, and it has gone on to build a strong local following ever since. CAMRA’s listing notes that the venue opened in July 2021 in the growing Sneinton Market area.
Why The Partizan Tavern Stands Out
Partizan Tavern is the kind of pub that appeals to people who actually care what is in the glass.
Rather than trying to be all things to all people, it has built its reputation around a simple but effective formula:
a carefully chosen drinks range
strong real cider and perry credentials
changing real ales
a more intimate, social micropub feel
and a proper independent atmosphere
That focus has helped it stand out in a city that already has a strong pub and beer scene.
A Big Win For A Small Pub
Awards like this matter because they are not just about popularity — they reflect consistency, product quality, and how well a venue serves the people who actually use it.
CAMRA describes the venue as serving four varying real ales, four real ciders/perries, and a wide bottled and canned selection, with the pub becoming a recognised part of Sneinton’s independent drinking scene.
For a smaller independent venue, that kind of recognition can make a real difference.
It helps put the pub in front of new visitors, supports its reputation, and reminds people that some of the best pub experiences are still found in places that do not rely on size, gimmicks, or big chains.
Why Pubs Like This Matter
The Partizan Tavern is exactly the sort of place that keeps Britain’s pub culture interesting.
It is independent. It has a clear identity. It knows what it is good at. And it gives people something more memorable than a standard city-centre drinking spot.
That is why stories like this deserve attention.
Because when smaller pubs are doing things properly, they deserve to be discovered.
Support This Pub On The Best Pub Guide
If you’ve visited The Partizan Tavern, why not show a bit of support by leaving a review on The Best Pub Guide?
A quick review helps more people discover great independent pubs, supports venues that are doing things properly, and gives pubs like this the visibility they deserve.
The Best Pub Guide is built to help people discover proper pubs worth visiting — from independent micropubs and award-winning locals to classic boozers, beer gardens, sports pubs, and hidden gems.
By leaving a review, you are not just rating a pub — you are helping support the venues that still make the UK pub scene worth exploring.
If you rate pubs you visit, you also help other pubgoers find better places to drink, while giving great venues like The Partizan Tavern the recognition they deserve.
One of Prescot’s oldest and most recognisable pubs has officially reopened after a major £339,000 refurbishment, bringing fresh life back into one of the town’s best-known locals.
The Sun Inn, which dates back to 1798, has welcomed customers back through its doors following a three-week investment that has refreshed both the inside and outside of the historic pub.
For a venue that has stood at the heart of Prescot for well over two centuries, this reopening feels like more than just a makeover — it feels like a proper reset for a pub that still means a lot to local people.
A Historic Pub At The Heart Of Prescot
The Sun Inn is not just another pub reopening after a facelift.
It is one of the oldest surviving pubs in Prescot, with roots stretching back to the late Georgian period, when the town was known for its watchmaking industry, market trade, and busy local community.
By the 19th century, The Sun had developed into a coaching inn, serving both travellers and local residents. Like many traditional pubs of the time, it quickly became much more than somewhere to grab a drink — it became part of the everyday social fabric of the town.
That history is a big part of what makes the venue special today.
A Fresh New Look Without Losing Its Character
While The Sun Inn now has a significantly updated feel, the aim appears to have been to modernise the pub without stripping away the character that gives it its identity.
The refurbishment includes improvements to both the interior and exterior, helping create a pub that feels more comfortable, more flexible, and better suited to what local people actually want from a pub today.
The work includes:
a refreshed main bar
an improved snug
a dedicated darts and pool area
upgraded AV for live sport
refreshed seating
and a revitalised beer garden
That gives The Sun a much broader appeal, making it just as suitable for a quiet pint as it is for a lively afternoon, live sport, or weekend social drinks.
Family Team Leading The Relaunch
Helping drive the relaunch are Rod and Clare Crosby, who are taking the pub forward with support from their wider family.
That family-led feel gives the reopening a lot more weight than a standard chain pub refresh.
This is not just about a few cosmetic upgrades — it is about trying to bring back the kind of atmosphere that makes a local pub feel like it belongs to the community again.
And for a pub like The Sun Inn, that matters.
A Proper Community Pub
One of the most promising things about this reopening is that The Sun does not appear to be trying to become something it is not.
It is not chasing a gimmick or trying to reinvent itself into a trendy concept bar.
Instead, it looks to be focusing on what many people still want from a proper pub:
a friendly atmosphere
good value
live sport
entertainment
familiar faces
and a place that feels alive again
That sort of formula still works when it is done properly — especially in a town like Prescot where pubs still matter.
Why Reopenings Like This Matter
At a time when too many pub headlines are about closures, uncertainty, or rising costs, it is always good to see a historic local pub being properly invested in.
And when that pub has this much history behind it, it matters even more.
The Sun Inn is more than just another licensed premises. It is part of Prescot’s identity, and that is exactly why reopenings like this still mean something to the people who live there.
One Worth Visiting In Prescot
For anyone who appreciates a pub with real heritage, local roots, and a bit of character, The Sun Inn is definitely one worth having on your radar.
And if you are local to Prescot, it is exactly the sort of pub that is worth getting behind.
A pub in Hackney has decided to ban children altogether after repeated issues with poor behaviour and what the landlord described as a lack of parental control.
The Kenton, based in Hackney, has introduced the move after staff were left dealing with children running around unsupervised, climbing on furniture, getting in the way of service, and disturbing both customers and dogs inside the pub.
Landlord Egil Johansen said the situation had become too difficult for the team to manage, particularly during busy periods when staff were carrying drinks and moving through the venue.
Earlier Rules Didn’t Solve The Problem
The pub had already tried to manage the issue by introducing stricter rules back in November.
At the time, signage was added both inside the venue and online to make it clear that children were not allowed after 5pm, and that they had to remain supervised at all times while on the premises.
The Kenton had hoped that approach would be enough to improve the atmosphere and reduce disruption, but according to the pub, the behaviour continued.
That has now led to a complete ban.
A Wider Pub Debate
The decision is likely to divide opinion, but it taps into a wider conversation happening in pubs across the country.
More venues are quietly having to balance being welcoming to families while also protecting the atmosphere that regular customers actually come in for — especially in smaller pubs or venues that are more drinks-led than food-led.
In the case of The Kenton, which is known more as a pub for drinks and football than a family dining venue, the landlord has clearly decided enough is enough.
Not Every Pub Wants To Be Family Friendly
While many pubs actively cater for children and families, others are increasingly making it clear that they are not trying to operate as child-friendly spaces.
And for some customers, that is exactly the appeal.
The Kenton’s decision may not please everyone, but it reflects a growing feeling among some pub landlords that if children are allowed in, they need to be properly supervised — and that the responsibility cannot fall on pub staff.
If you’ve bought a pint in London recently and felt personally attacked by the card machine, you are not imagining it.
Fresh analysis of pub prices across the capital has revealed just how wildly the cost of a pint now varies depending on where you drink — and in at least one part of London, pints are still dropping below £3.
At a time when many London drinkers are paying £7 or more for a beer in some areas, that kind of number feels almost impossible.
Newham Comes Out Cheapest For A Pint
According to the latest London-wide comparison, Newham currently offers the cheapest average pint in the capital, with prices averaging around £4.20.
Even better for bargain hunters, some pints in the borough were found as low as £2.87, putting places like Stratford, Forest Gate, and East Ham firmly back on the radar for anyone trying to keep a pub crawl affordable.
And if you’re looking for the kind of venues that often come up in that part of London, pubs such as Goldengrove, The Boleyn Tavern, and The Abbey Tap are exactly the sort of names pubgoers start looking for when the cheap-pint conversation kicks off.
Barking And Havering Are Still Strong For Value
Newham wasn’t the only borough to stand out.
The next cheapest average pints were found in:
Barking and Dagenham – around £4.89
Havering – around £5.04
That means parts of outer and East London are still quietly offering better value than much of the capital, even while prices continue to creep up.
For pubgoers in these areas, venues like The Eva Hart, The Moon and Stars, The Railway Tavern, and The Fox & Hounds are the kind of pubs people naturally start searching for when looking for a cheaper pint without sacrificing the pub experience.
Meanwhile, Central London Is Still Hitting Hard
At the other end of the scale, the most expensive boroughs were exactly where many Londoners would expect them to be.
The costliest average pints were found in:
Kensington and Chelsea
City of London
Westminster
So if your usual after-work route includes places like The Punch Tavern, The Crosse Keys, The Chandos, or other well-known central London drinking spots, there’s a fair chance your round is costing far more than it would in East London.
That doesn’t mean the pubs aren’t worth visiting — it just means your wallet may need a quiet sit down afterwards.
The Same Pint Can Cost Nearly £3 More Depending On Borough
One of the most eye-opening parts of the data is just how much prices now vary for the exact same drink.
In some cases, the same pint can cost nearly £3 more depending purely on which London borough you buy it in.
That means pubgoers are no longer just choosing where to drink based on atmosphere, location, or who’s going out.
Increasingly, they are choosing based on whether they can still afford a second round.
Cheap Pints In London Are Not Dead — Just Harder To Find
For years, many people assumed London’s genuinely cheap pint had gone the same way as the £2 taxi home and the pub fruit machine jackpot.
But stories like this prove that is not completely true.
The bargain pint still exists — it is just no longer spread evenly across the city.
And if you are willing to drink a little further out, areas like Newham, Barking, and Havering are showing that value still exists, even if it is under pressure.
Why This Matters For London Pubgoers
This isn’t just about saving a few quid on lager.
It is about what pub culture in London starts to look like when the cost of something as ordinary as a pint becomes heavily postcode-dependent.
Pubs are supposed to be the social equaliser — the place where people can meet, catch up, switch off, and have a night out without needing a payment plan.
So when the difference between boroughs becomes this dramatic, it says something much bigger about where London pub life is heading.
The Real Winner? Anyone Willing To Travel For A Round
The truth is, some of the best value pub drinking in London is no longer in the obvious places.
And while central London continues to charge like every pint comes with a share of the freehold, some boroughs on the edge of the map are still keeping the old dream alive.
For pubgoers who care more about value than postcode, that may be the best excuse yet to start exploring somewhere new.
Bournemouth’s pub and bar scene has seen another familiar venue step into a new chapter, with the former Six Million Postcards site now trading as The Sun.
For years, the venue was one of the better-known names in Bournemouth town centre. Whether people visited for daytime drinks, casual food, social meet-ups, or part of a bigger night out, it had become one of those places that many locals and visitors instantly recognised.
Now, with a new name above the door and a refreshed identity, the venue is moving forward under a new chapter — while still sitting in one of Bournemouth’s busiest and most visible hospitality spots.
A New Name For A Familiar Bournemouth Venue
Name changes in the pub world always get people talking, especially when they involve venues that have become part of the local social scene.
For many Bournemouth locals, the site will always be remembered as Postcards. It was one of those venues that became woven into nights out, quick drinks, beach weekends, pre-event meetups, and town-centre routines.
That is why a rebrand like this always carries a bit more weight than simply changing a sign.
It is not just a new name. It is a shift in identity.
And for a venue with this kind of visibility in Bournemouth, that naturally creates curiosity.
More Pub, Less Bar?
While the site remains a lively social venue, the new The Sun branding appears to position it more clearly as a pub-led destination rather than simply a modern town-centre bar.
That is an interesting move — and probably a smart one.
The best-performing venues in places like Bournemouth are often the ones that can comfortably cover multiple audiences at once. They need to work as a lunchtime stop, a drinks venue, a social meeting place, a pre-night-out location, and a weekend pub all in one.
That flexibility is what keeps venues relevant, and it is likely part of the thinking behind the shift.
Why This Site Still Matters In Bournemouth
Whatever people choose to call it over the next few years — Postcards, The Sun, or probably a mix of both — the reality is that this remains one of Bournemouth’s more recognisable hospitality sites.
Its location alone gives it staying power.
Sitting in a key part of Bournemouth, close to the town centre and the beach, it occupies the kind of position that naturally keeps a venue in the public eye. It is the sort of place people pass, meet at, stop in, and return to.
And that is why changes like this matter.
Because pubs and bars are not just businesses — they are part of how people experience a town.
They become meeting points, routines, habits, memories, and social landmarks.
So when one of the better-known sites in Bournemouth changes identity, people notice.
Thinking Of Visiting The Sun?
If you are curious to see what The Sun Bournemouth looks like now, or you are planning a visit, you can check out the full venue listing over on The Best Pub Guide.
That includes venue details, photos, and pub information to help you decide if it is one to add to your Bournemouth pub list.
Pubs are constantly evolving — some quietly, some dramatically — and name changes like this are often the start of a bigger shift in how a venue wants to be seen.
For Bournemouth, The Sun is another reminder that the local pub scene never stands still for long.
And for pubgoers, it is another reason to keep an eye on the venues they thought they already knew.
Newcastle’s nightlife scene has welcomed a new addition, with The Rebel Yell now officially open in the heart of the city.
Located on Nelson Street, the new basement bar has taken over the underground space beneath No.28, a site that has previously been home to Billy Bootleggers, Blues & Bourbon, and most recently Blues Underground.
Now relaunched with a completely new identity, The Rebel Yell brings a rock ’n’ roll, live music-led atmosphere to one of Newcastle’s most recognisable nightlife spots.
A New Chapter For A Well-Known Venue
The basement space has seen a number of different concepts over the years, but The Rebel Yell feels like a stronger, more defined direction.
Rather than trying to blend into the crowd, the venue is leaning fully into a music-first, late-night bar experience, built around energy, atmosphere, and live performances.
That approach fits naturally with Newcastle’s reputation as a city that thrives on nightlife.
Built Around Live Music And Late Nights
From the moment it opened its doors, The Rebel Yell has positioned itself as a venue focused on:
live bands
DJ sets
late-night drinks
and a louder, more underground feel
The space itself lends perfectly to that style, creating an intimate setting where live music and crowd energy can take centre stage.
Backed By A Proven Newcastle Team
The Rebel Yell is run by the team behind No.28 and Friki Tiki, both of which have already built strong followings in Newcastle.
That experience shows.
Rather than feeling like a risky new opening, The Rebel Yell arrives with a clear identity and a good understanding of what works in the city.
What To Expect
The venue is already attracting attention for its mix of:
stacked burgers
classic cocktails
cold beer
strong bourbon
and a carefully curated music-led atmosphere
It is not trying to be everything to everyone — and that is exactly what gives it potential.
A Strong New Addition To Newcastle’s Nightlife
Openings like this matter, especially at a time when many venues are closing or scaling back.
The Rebel Yell brings something different to the table — a venue with a clear identity, a strong concept, and a focus on delivering a proper night out.
And in a city like Newcastle, that is exactly what keeps the nightlife scene moving forward.
One To Watch
It is still early days, but The Rebel Yell already looks like it could become a regular name on Newcastle’s late-night circuit.
For anyone into live music, underground bars, and venues with a bit more personality, it is one worth checking out.
The Barley Mow in Wimborne is preparing to reopen its doors after spending January closed for a substantial refurbishment that promises a fresh new look, a revamped menu and exciting plans for live music.
The popular Dorset pub, which has not undergone a major makeover in around 15 years, has been transformed far beyond what owners Tim Allen and Shannon Brown originally expected when work first began.
“Originally, it was supposed to be a bit of a repaint and some fresh fabrics, but over time the list grew larger,” said Tim Allen.
For the owners, the project represents an important milestone in the pub’s history and a major investment in its future.
“It is an exciting time for The Barley Mow, being the first refurbishment after various owners have been looking after the pub before us,” Allen added.
A Fresh New Look for a Popular Wimborne Local
Situated in the heart of Wimborne, The Barley Mow has long been a favourite with locals and visitors alike.
The refurbishment includes:
A complete redecoration
A new colour scheme
Changes to the internal layout
New furnishings and fabrics
Kitchen improvements
A refreshed menu
The work is designed to give the pub a more modern and welcoming feel while preserving the character that regulars know and love.
Why January Was the Ideal Time to Close
January is traditionally one of the quietest months in the hospitality calendar, making it the perfect time to undertake major improvements.
According to co-owner Shannon Brown, several factors helped shape the decision.
“A lot of our regulars are away at the moment, some people are out on holiday. The road has also been closed for a week, so it made sense for us to start the reconstruction this month.”
Like many pubs across the UK, The Barley Mow also experiences cancellations when severe weather hits.
“In bad weather, we do see a lot of bookings and tables cancelled,” Brown explained.
New Chefs, New Menu and Live Music Plans
The reopening will bring more than just a fresh coat of paint.
The Barley Mow is welcoming two new chefs to the team and introducing an updated menu, giving diners even more reasons to return.
The owners are also exploring live music events to celebrate the pub’s next chapter and to create an even stronger community atmosphere.
Brown has hinted that the reopening may coincide with a romantic Valentine’s theme, adding to the sense of anticipation.
Fingers Crossed for Reopening
The team hopes to reopen next Friday, although the schedule remains tight.
“Fingers crossed, it’s going to be very tight,” said Allen.
If all goes to plan, customers can expect a transformed pub with a fresh new look, improved food offering and renewed energy.
Why This Matters
Stories like this highlight the continued investment taking place in local pubs despite the pressures facing the hospitality sector.
Rather than standing still, The Barley Mow is using a traditionally quieter month to reinvent itself and invest in the future.
For pub-goers in Wimborne and across Dorset, that is very welcome news.
Have you visited The Barley Mow in Wimborne? What are you most looking forward to seeing when it reopens? Let us know in the comments below.
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