Business booming for new owner of the Fighting Cocks in Fordingbridge

The Fighting Cocks, at Godshill, was acquired by Country Inns after the previous owners of 21 years decided to move on.

New owners Debbie and Duane Lewis took just three days to get the pub up and running after taking over on March 10.

A 20-year lease has been agreed and Debbie, 62, said an investment of "up to £150k" will be pumped into doing light refurbishments of the pub.

Debbie Lewis standing in front of a mural painted inside the Fighting Cocks. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

This would add "sparkle" without taking away anything from the pub, which is in line with Debbie's style when it comes to adding personal touches to her pubs.

Aiming to offer a "classic pub experience", she said: "The first thing we looked at was the location and this is probably the most beautiful part of the forest here. It's like its own little county.

"The locals have been fantastic, they have all come in to say hi. People like to come in and make friends with the staff."

The couple started their pub business venture 15 years ago when they took out a two-year lease for The New Forest Inn.

Now, Country Inns owns nine pubs in and around the New Forest, including The New Forest Inn, The Trusty Servant, The Mortimer Arms, The Bold Forester, The Woolpack, The Forester, two Royal Oaks and The Fighting Cocks.

Despite being large enough to "be corporate", Debbie said she doesn't want to go down that route.

"Duane and I are trying to keep it as a family business. What makes it is the staff we have here," she said.

The Fighting Cocks. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

The Fighting Cocks' new menu is based on The Trusty Servant, which offers locally sourced "pub grub, chefs specials, fantastic burgers and incredible pies".

There is also a variety on offer for vegetarians and vegans.

A mini refurbishment, which will outfit four rooms for overnight stays, will take place in January 2024 once business quietens down and everyone is "hunkered down" for winter, Debbie said.

Pony brands of the New Forest. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

The dog-friendly pub is located near Sandy Balls and Debbie hopes to capture business from locals as well as holidaymakers. 

There are several seating areas within the pub, including a beer garden and a play park for children.

One of the novelties of being situated in the New Forest is that the wild animals have free rein and can be seen close up to the pub.