THE new landlord of a pub near Andover says it is his mission to put “quality, homemade food on a plate for a reasonable price”.

The Hare and Hounds in Charlton Down reopened on Sunday, September 24 under the stewardship of Ron French, a retired Andover resident who previously owned a successful hotel bar and restaurant in France for close to two decades.

The Covid pandemic brought an end to his exploits across the Channel but the 57-year-old is eager to put a mark on his latest venture on home soil.

“We’re trying to create a proper, well-run establishment,” said Ron.

“You can’t run before you can walk but we’re just about getting to where we want to be. It’s hard work but it’s such good fun.”

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Rob Aiers, the pub’s previous landlord who bought the business from Elaine and Steve Mancini in February 2022, will retain ownership, but Ron will assume responsibility of the day-to-day running of the establishment.

The story of how Ron came to be the new head of the Test Valley pub, however, is a rather unusual one.

“It all started with an RV (recreational vehicle),” said the pub’s general manager, Charlotte Huxter.

“At the end of August, we put up adverts on Facebook, inviting motor homes and RVs to come and stay in the car park.

“Ron arrived asking if he could stay for a whole week and during that time he came and had dinner in the pub with his partner every night.

“Ron then agreed to fund an event we were planning because he wanted to see the pub do well, and when he came back after a week away he made deals with the owner to rent the place.”

Having initially arrived in his motor home for a short break with his wife on Monday, August 28, within three weeks Ron had put retirement on hold for a second time to become The Hare and Hounds' new landlord.

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And in the short space of time, he has been at the helm, it appears Ron has already made a significant impression.

A new head chef, 23-year-old Ryan Parke, has been brought in with a menu that promises traditional pub classics but with something a little different.

The pub has also reduced its food prices in the hope it will enable people affected by the current cost-of-living crisis to enjoy a meal out.

“Ron loved the venue and saw the potential in it. He’s really invested in making this place work,” said Charlotte.

“And the dynamic is just fantastic. It feels like a family.

“Everything is freshly cooked on site. With the cost-of-living crisis, everyone is struggling at the moment but people still want to go out for a meal if they can afford it.

“So our reduced prices are in response to the cost of living going up. And the food is absolutely phenomenal.

“We’re trying to differentiate ourselves from the traditional pub menu. We still have all the things you might expect from a pub menu but we’re adding new things all the time.

“It’s all about good quality food and decent portions. We want people to come to us and say ‘that tastes like real, quality food that I can’t cook at home’.”

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Ron reiterated that sentiment while insisting he is trying to create a collaborative working culture in order to achieve the best results possible.

He added: “My mission in life is to put good quality food, homemade, on a plate for a reasonable price. Nothing’s too much for us.

“Everyone’s got a voice. I want to hear people’s ideas.

“We’ve got customers shaking the chef by the hand when they leave so that tells you everything. We had one man say it was the best rib-eye steak he’s had in Hampshire. So I know I’ve got the right people in place.”

As for the RV, it continues to be inhabited by Ron and his wife while work is being completed on their house.

Once they have moved back in, however, Charlotte hopes the motor home will remain on the pub’s premises as a reminder of the integral role it has played in The Hare and Hounds' recent history.

“We’re going to keep it here forever,” she said.

“We can’t get rid of it. It’s become a bit of a landmark.”