A New Bar for Andover

Andover could see a new town centre bar following submission of a planning application for a Change of Use of the former NatWest Bank into a "Bar/Drinking Establishment". The building has been empty since the bank closed in 2024.

9 Bridge Street, Andover

The Bullion Bar
The proposals for 'The Bullion Bar' apply to the ground floor and for pavement tables outside. It is for a relatively small 'wet-led' bar, being drinks only and with no cooking on the premises. The building has recently been refurbished with a tasteful exterior as befits the Conservation Area. On the floors above there are flats which have their own separate entrance.

Licence
A licence application has also been submitted for the sale of alcohol from 11.00am until 11.00pm Sunday to Wednesday, to midnight on Thursdays, and until 2.00am on Fridays and Saturdays. Live and recorded music has been applied for on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Town Regeneration
Andover centre like many towns has suffered from business closures and such a new venture would help bring people into the town,  If approved it will hopefully not suffer the same as the Powder Monkey at the Guildhall which was not given enough time to become established before its owner's closed the doors. Andover needs more leisure/hospitality to draw in people to the town.

With the development of the new park by the river, and the building of the new theatre, this should be a welcome addition to support the regeneration of the town centre.

The application reference 26/01484/FULLN can be see on Test Valley Borough Council's planning site where public comment can also be submitted.

https://view-applications.testvalley.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=THY85NQC0I000&activeTab=summary

Powder Monkey – the Rug has been pulled

Seating outside for balmy evenings

After just six months the new Powder Monkey at the Guildhall in Andover was suddenly closed by their parent company.

It was exciting for Andover
Trade in the pub/bar in the historic Grade II* Listed Building was just getting off the ground with its excellent staff building a following for its friendly service, good beer and a growing number of events. 

The range of beers was good, with six varied modern keg craft beers from their Gosport brewery along with a good range of bottle beers from other breweries in the Powder Monkey Group such as Goddards, and Empire.
It was seen as exciting for the town and a welcome addition to the town's revitalisation.

A buzz was starting to develop

A buzz was developing
After what seemed to be a shaky start with a turnover of local managers it soon settled down and was establishing a supporting and regular clientele.
Quiz Nights, Tasting Evenings and Lifestyle events were held and groups held parties and family gatherings.

It took part in the Andover Rocks charity event, ran Quizzes and introduced a selection of games and drinks offers. Sunday Roasts had been introduced along with a first breakfast menu.

 
Soft furnishing was added with sofas and armchairs while tables and chairs went on the outside cobbled patio area when the weather allowed. It was all starting to take off in readiness for an exciting summer which would have added a wonderfully attractive continental feel to the High Street. 

Powder Monkey 'nibbles'
Good food was often available

A buzz was starting to develop.

But then the rug was pulled. Powder Monkey's owners had other plans. 

Doors suddenly closed
After just six months customers found the doors had been suddenly closed. Staff were told not to go into work and that they were being made redundant. There was little information and even the landlords Test Valley Borough Council could not offer a credible explanation, saying the closure was only temporary. 

Notices on the windows just days before the closure said:  
"Powder Monkey is working on something exciting .... Be back soon!"

But it wasn't. The doors never re-opened.

Some thoughts on the company
As a company Powder Monkey was growing, taking on other small breweries and expanding its small Australian arm. Closure of their new Andover bar leaves disappointment.

New initiatives such as the Andover bar need a time to settle in and to at least have a summer season. Powder Monkey at the Guildhall was not given a chance.

One Bell opens but others remain Closed

THREE BELLS

Another Hampshire pub has been saved.

There are three pubs in north Hampshire named The Bell, and until last week all were closed.
Now, in brilliant news, The Bell in Odiham on the historic Bury has reopened having been saved from being replaced as housing by the local community which raised the funds to purchase and save the pub.
Last weekend saw the official opening with many activities including Morris dancing.

This small traditional two room pub is a Grade II Listed Building and is steeped in 500 years of local history as a hostelry. 

To give a feel for the pub's character' it also has Dominoes, Shove Ha'penny and Pickled Eggs, while on the bar three cask beers are currently served – Fullers London Pride, Flowerpots Pots Bitter and Odiham Drizzle, a Flack Manor rebadged dark mild.

It is a fantastic win for the Odiham pub scene and showed the importance of being registered as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) and of having local community support.

The Bell is easy to reach by using the 13 Basingstoke/Alton service, getting off at Crownfields and taking the adjacent footpath to the Bury. 

Its a 'must visit' pub

The pub opens at 4.30pm each day including weekends, but is closed Mondays.

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The other Bells:

Sadly the other two ‘Bells’ remain closed.

The Bell in Whitchurch, another Grade II Listed pub, closed a year ago with a hope it would reopen but despite some limited work the doors remain closed. It would be good if the Council had registered it as an ACV but as yet that hasn’t taken place. A request is to be made.
Regrettably hope for reopening has been lost for The Bell at Weyhill which has been given planning permission to become a childrens nursery. It currently deteriorates behind hoardings as substantial work has yet to commence.

The Bell, Weyhill – CLOSED 👎

The Bell, Whitchurch – CLOSED 👎

The Bell, Odiham – SAVED and OPEN 👍

SUPPORT OUR PUBS

"When you have lost your inns, drown your empty selves, for you will have lost the last of England"

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Vicolo v Powder Monkey – which is best?

Vicolo v Powder Monkey

These two new Andover venues, opening within weeks of each other in the High Street, have brought a much needed boost to the Hampshire market town. With these, and the building of the new theatre underway, the town centre is certainly starting to look up.

After several visits to each, comparisons are inevitable so here goes...

The newly opened VICOLO LOUNGE is one of over 260 'Lounges' throughout the country, one of the fastest growing independent chains of bar/restaurants.

Vicolo Lounge Bar

In the old Barclay Bank, it follows their heavily furnished lampshade/framed picture decor style run on an inclusive friendly community model. 

The wide menu choice caters for all with good prompt table or friendly bar service. The recommended use of the on-table QR Code has drinks served usually within minutes and food just a little longer – it works well.
The brunches are highly recommended as are the tapas boards but if tempted by the extras such as flatbreads or sides the cost may start to escalate.

For beer lovers the list is limited though there is welcome nod to the company's independent west country roots with the bottled Bristol Beer Factory Stout. Otherwise it is fairly mainstream although does include the newer version of Hofmeister pilsner, far better than the tasteless 'follow the bear' version of years gone past.

A visit is highly recommended.

So on to the POWDER MONKEY AT THE GUILDHALL. Here the feel is much more open and minimalist decor with the large high expansive ex-market hall venue refurbished to recognise the building's historic character. 

Powder Monkey at the Guildhall

Powder Monkey are a fast growing company based at their brewery in Gosport which itself only began brewing in 2021 and have since acquired a number of other small breweries in the UK and Australia.

The opening of the Andover venue is a relatively new aspect of their business and deserves to do well. You are always greeted on entry and like the Vicolo there is a strong emphasis on the welcome. Also like Vicolo there is no pressure and you can pop in for a coffee or beer as much as something to eat. Staff are very friendly, attentive and helpful and interact with customers well, perhaps better than at Vicolo. They are always asking for feedback, and experience shows it is acted upon.

Service is a mix of bar and table service with a good range of food and drinks with an emphasis on  independent suppliers. Food is exceptional with a limited changing menu. The 'Nibbles' are exceptional value and chosen together can make a full meal, while the Sunday roasts are highly recommended.

As would be expected there is a wide choice of beers with six of their tasty craft keg beers on tap including their lager, bitters, IPAs and stout, alongside a variety of cans. There is also a good selection of bottled beers from their other breweries, notably from Goddard's on the Isle of Wight. You won't find national brands here. 

So which to visit?
Both venues are a very welcome addition to the town, and are both open 7-days a week. One surprising aspect is that neither open for breakfast for workers in the town which would seem short-sighted. However, each has their own strengths and it is difficult to split them.
If we had to choose it would be a smidgeon towards Powder Monkey at the Guildhall but that would be for its beers and that service is a touch more friendly. 

Otherwise both are very highly recommended. Visit both.

9/10 each

Andover's Exciting New Pub

Andover has a New Pub.

The Powder Monkey at the Guildhall opened officially yesterday – and what a great addition to the town it is.

The expanding brewery/pub operator, Powder Monkey,  has transformed the ground floor of the historic Grade II* Listed Guildhall into a modern fresh bar that will add some much needed vibrancy to the town centre.

With six of the Gosport brewer's beers on keg and a number of their cans and bottles there is a good choice, while a comprehensive menu is available. The six tasty keg beers include a very tasty Pilsner, along with modern pale ales and a stout.

A feature is that everything comes from small independent producers, of which the friendly manager Luke was proud.

Powder Monkey is based at Priddy's Hard, a historic naval site now also housing the exciting Explosion! Museum.
The forward-looking company was formed in 2019 and was set up in a historic naval gunpowder store with the first beers being brewed in 2021.
They have expanded rapidly, taking over Goddards Brewery on the Isle of Wight, whose beers are now available at the Guildhall in bottles. In July they also acquired two Sydney-based Australian brewers – the Wayward Brewing Company and Akasha Brewing Company. 

The addition of the new pub to Andover will be a welcome addition to the town.

Powder Monkey for Andover

Andover will soon be seeing the award-winning Powder Monkey Brewing opening a venue in the High Street. The forward-thinking company that is based at the Priddy Hard Explosion! museum complex in Gosport is taking the lease of the ground floor of the iconic Grade II Listed Guildhall.

Intentions are for a new eating and drinking establishment in a space where relaxation and socialising will be to the fore. 
Hours planned are 9.00am – 10.00pm Monday to Thursday, 9.00am – 11.00pm Fridays and Saturdays, and 9.00am – 9.00pm on Sundays. There will be a breakfast menu, an all day menu, and traditional Sunday roasts.
Drinks will feature "Powder Monkey beers, quality non-mainstream wines, artisan spirits and local coffee". Outside space will also be used when possible.

Powder Monkey
Powder Monkey commenced brewing in the old naval gunpowder store in 2021 where they also set up a visitors' centre and a tasting bar.

They have quickly become established as an exciting growing company. Last year they added the Australian brewery, Willie the Boatman, to their portfolio, while more recently they they purchased the leading independent brewery on the Isle of Wight, Goddards, a brewer more known for its range of traditional cask and bottled beers.

Award
Only last month, Powder Monkey was announced as winning the Brewery of the Year by Portsmouth & SE Hampshire Campaign for Real Ale. 
The brewery said:

"This is a credit to our team who have worked so hard and we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who was enjoyed a Powder Monkey beer this past year and all the fantastic venues helping us bring the beer to you!"

Exciting for Andover
These are exciting times for the hospitality business in Andover, with this announcement quickly following that of Loungers taking on the empty ex-Barclay's Bank premises a few yards further down the High Street.
See:
https://thehappypint.blogspot.com/2025/03/a-new-bar-for-andover.html

A new bar for Andover?

Andover could soon see a major change in its High Street with a new café/bar opening in the old Barclays Bank building.

The company Loungers UK, who are behind the popular Cosy Club and Lounges bars,  have plans to convert the empty 5 High Street building into one of their all day 'neighbourhood café bars'. 

The bars are known for their friendly relaxed atmosphere, with good food, craft beers and other drinks, and their eclectic decor of paintings, photographs, mirrors and lampshades!

Licences are being applied for which include the serving of alcohol from 10am to midnight, and the provision of outdoor pavement area seating.

This could add a new dimension to the vibrancy of the town's High Street.

5 High Street, Andover
Plans to be a new café / bar

Microbrewery and bar approved for Overton

The plans for a new bar and microbrewery in Overton have taken a step forward as Basingstoke & Deane Development Control Committee approved the planning application this week (Wed.9th October).

Permission has now been granted for the creation a new bar, micro-brewery and kitchen at No.7 High Street, a former hair and beauty salon (Hobbs).

7 High Street, Overton

The premises consists of a two-storey building that is believed to date from the 15th/16th centuries but has undergone significant changes although much of the timber framing remains. It is registered as a Listed Grade II building.

Support was high
Councillors heard from the applicant's architect who focussed on the responses from the main consultees, including HCC Highways, Archaeology, Environmental Health, Historic Environment, Southern Water and Biodiversity. All were registering a No Objection. 

In addition he noted the high number of letters of support from local residents. 77 were in support while only 12 were opposed, with most seeing such an establishment as a welcome addition to the village high Street. Support also came from the local Campaign for Real Ale citing the wider community benefits that such an establishment can provide. 

The Parish Council 
However, Overton Parish Council had objected citing issues such as a possible increase in anti-social behaviour. In a statement that has raised some eyebrows they also stated they "wish to discourage any further opportunities to organise social drinking or beer festivals". 

The present inside

Noting that the village already has a number of pubs the Parish Council also expressed concern that:
"Creating yet another venue must run the risk of encouraging more alcohol consumption – which is not warranted in such a small village."

Concerns dealt with by owners
A few other residents expressed worries over parking and transport, potential noise and odours, all of which had been dealt with by the planners and the business owners.
During the meeting it was stressed how helpful the owners had been on considering local concerns in making adjustments to the plans, one main change being the removal of the rear outside seating area.
Planners have imposed a number of 'Conditions' which the owners must now comply with before work can commence.

Plans for the main building
The ground floor of the main building will contain comfortable seating including sofas and stools, along with the bar with 2 – 5 steel serving tanks, 5 – 7 taps, an area for preparing cocktails and space for fridge, dishwasher and sink. Upstairs is an area that can be "booked for private dining/ more intimate setting with mixture of sofas, bar stools..."

Two unisex WCs will also be upstairs and the brief included a request to the architect "To include area for makeup/hair etc." To the rear there is a long narrow stretch of land where, at the end, the micro-brewery and kitchen will be situated.

This will be a great addition to the village and we all look forward to the opening and a visit.

A new Whitchurch Pub is questioned

Whitchurch will be a step nearer having have a new public house if a controversial housing scheme is approved. 

Genko, a property company based in Guernsey, has submitted a full planning application on green fields at Berehill on the northern edge of the small Hampshire town. Their proposals are for 115 houses, open space, workshops, pumping station and a public house, which they provisionally name The Bere Hill.

The rural town of Whitchurch is currently a target for speculative developers as the government sets ever higher housing numbers and there are already large housing schemes underway. Many believe this is over-development in a town known for its country setting and local heritage with campaigners' signs having appeared saying 'No to Genko'.

Unusual suggestion
A new public house within a housing area is an unusual suggestion in these particularly harsh times for the hospitality trade in which Whitchurch has experienced mixed fortunes.
Currently the town’s historic Red House is falling derelict, while several other pubs have closed in recent years. Proposals for new pubs in similar situations have also floundered at Augusta Park and Picket Twenty in Andover.

Pubs are flourishing
However some have flourished such as the Plough Inn at nearby Longparish which was bought by the local community and is going from strength to strength and the other pub in the same village, the Cricketers Inn, has recently re-opened to critical acclaim.

There is also a current application for a new bar and micro-brewery in nearby Overton but on the downside the Dove Inn at Micheldever is closing, although it is not expected to be permanent.

Suspicion
There is much suspicion that Genko have misread local needs and have included a pub to divert discussion away from the greater concerns surrounding the scale of their housing proposals. 

The Campaign for Real Ale's local Pub Protection Officer said:

"A great many might prefer that Genko went away and didn’t build anything at all, and that customer support went to the existing excellent pubs – the Kings Arms, White Hart, Bell, Prince Regent and the Sports & Social Club – and along the road the Watership Down and in nearby local villages." 

 

"A new pub is always welcome but whether this is a suitable location is extremely questionable".

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THE PLANNING APPLICATION
The planning application can be seen on Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council's planning portal, reference: 24/01949/FUL
https://planning.basingstoke.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SINSZICRKKT00&activeTab=summary

New Bar and Microbrewery for Overton?

The rural village of Overton in Hampshire could see a brewery open as part of the plans for a new bar.

Plans have been submitted to Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council for a Change of Use to create a new bar with a micro-brewery and kitchen at No.7 High Street, a former hair and beauty salon (Hobbs).

The premises consists of a two-storey building that is believed to date from the 15th/16th centuries but has undergone significant changes although much of the timber framing remains. It is registered as a Listed Grade II building.
On one side is Mariners, a fish and chip shop, while on the other is a private home.

The brief from the owners to the architect was to create:

"A Microbrewery & Kitchen, marketed towards young professionals in the local and surrounding area"  and

"To be able to host beer festivals (including Oktoberfest), comedy nights, music performances, book clubs, quizzes etc."

Plans for the main building

The ground floor of the main building will contain comfortable seating including sofas and stools, along with the bar with 2 – 5 steel serving tanks, 5 – 7 taps, an area for preparing cocktails and space for fridge, dishwasher and sink.
Upstairs is an area that can be "booked for private dining/ more intimate setting with mixture of sofas, bar stools..."
Two unisex WCs will also be upstairs and the brief includes a request to the architect "To include area for makeup/hair etc."

At the rear a outdoor seating and a kitchen/brewery building
To the rear there is a long narrow stretch of land where the plans are to place an open seating area, a timber covered pathway, and a separate building at the 'bottom' housing the micro-brewery and kitchen with a pizza oven and potential for a 'shop window' for serving use.
The micro-brewery will be visible from the 'garden' area and will have facilities for tastings for up to four people.

Comments should be sent to Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council.
The application is No. 23/03104/FUL
There is also an application for Listed Building Consent, No.23/03105/LBC

https://planning.basingstoke.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=S5WKXQCRJQC00