A HISTORIC pub in Andover is reopening for public after a seven-year break as two local businesses join hands to revive the 17th-century building.

The Lamb Inn in Winchester Street closed its door for public in 2014, but Wessex Spirits and The Andover Tap have now teamed up to bring the old town centre waterhole back to life.

Wessex Sprits will be moving its production and Gin Palace tasting rooms into The Lamb Inn.

Kate Griffin, who owns Wessex Spirits, said she will be making Test Valley Gin and her eight other brands from the premises.

The other half of The Lamb Inn has been taken over by The Andover Tap owner Tim Abraham.

They will offer locally produced craft ales, beers and a new menu comprising of locally sourced produce. There will also be a beer garden.

Kate said they are hoping The Lamb Inn to be up and running from November, while the Gin Palace is already taking bookings.

They have already applied for a licence for the pub. Kate and Tim already have a partnership together with InAndover Shared Shop.

Speaking to the Advertiser, Kate said she is very excited to bring the historic pub back to life.

“I just love the history and heritage of The Lamb. It has such a lovely and welcoming feel inside. It’s lovely to be looking after it.

“Virtual gin tasting will still be offered, but the new property offers much larger and more varied event space.

“I’m hoping to team up with other local businesses to offer events and offer space to community groups and meeting space.”

Located on the edge of the main shopping area, The Lamb Inn was bought by Wadworth Brewery in the 1950s. The pub closed its door in September 2014 – bringing an end to its 400-year history as a popular watering-hole.

Soon after, insurance company BeWiser took over the pub and converted it into an employee-only catering facility, known as the Owl’s Nest.

However, the company were informed that they had breached rules by not seeking planning permission.

TVBC later invited the insurance company to remedy the situation by submitting a retrospective application, which they did in 2015.

In April this year, BeWiser was acquired by Atlanta, The Ardonagh Group’s Retail platform, paving way for the historic building to be sold.