'˜With us you get quality': Southsea pub owners reveal how they pulled business back from the brink
'” Andy Hobbs, 25, and Sean Barnes, 24, both from Leigh Park, took over the Eldon Arms in Eldon Street, Southsea, in March.Â
The duo, who have been friends for years, have breathed new life into the pub, which is owned by EI.Â
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Hide AdAndy said: '˜With us you get quality. The regulars love the fact that we are trying to make the pub better.Â
'˜We wanted to do more than just plateau. Too many pubs go down the to ilet as there's not much effort put into them, and nobody putting in the work to make them unique.Â
'˜We want to be a place that people come into Portsmouth to go to.'Â
The historic venue's future hung in the balance at the end of 2016Â Â after a previous landlord disappeared overnight.Â
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Hide AdA group of regulars formed a community group and launched a bid to save the pub and turn it into an Asset of Community Value, giving it protected status, which failed.Â
EI, formerly known as Enterprise Inns, held on to the pub  and invested thousands into it, bringing in an interior designer to give the place an overhaul, before the pals got behind the bar and the place reopened.Â
Now six months in, Andy and Sean say they are proud to see the place busy and that business is on the up.Â
They have seen great success with their food, using Andy's 10 years of experience as a chef to create special dishes.Â
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Hide AdAndy said: '˜It all comes down to the finer details, it does not have to look pretty to be good food. Everything we serve is well-sourced and home-made  '”    and you can taste that.' Â
Sean, who was a teacher before turning his hand to the pub trade, is a keen sports fan and he has introduced a wide range of sports to the pub.Â
Andy said: '˜It is a lovely place. It has a great atmosphere for sports but it is also a really nice place to go into with your family for a meal.'Â
The pub has six ales on tap '“ four regulars of Doombar, Proper Job, Tribute and Hog's Back Tea plus two guest ales.Â
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Hide AdIt employs four staff and also serves craft beers. An dy says they're looking at bringing in more gin and rum to meet  demand.Â
Quiz nights are in the pipeline, and the team are busy planning Christmas, with customers already making bookings.Â
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