Couple Mike Woods and Nicola Lang are in the process of transforming Greens, in the Square, into Woodies, with the pair saying they are hoping to be open for business at the end of March.
Speaking to the Chronicle, Nicola said: “It has been closed for a while, so we are excited to get it back open again. It’s a tearooms/bistro/bar, so very different to what has been there before because I think that was more of a restaurant which was only open a few days of the week.
Mike Woods (left) and Nicola Lang (Image: Nicola Lang) READ MORE: ‘We are looking forward to welcoming you back’: The Hampshire Bowman to reopen
“We’re very excited. It’s really nice to have that perfect blend of the past and the present. We will be keeping the history but having a fresh energy into the place. We’re totally redecorating inside, refurbishing, and that’s why we may not be opening until mid- to end of March, as it is in need of some love. More carpets will come up, everything has been pulled up ready for something fresh, but we’re excited.
“The previous owners are lovely and are still local to Wickham, so it’s been lovely to have them pop in now and again to say ‘Hi’ while we’ve been doing the work.”
Nicola, who is a teacher, said that, while Mike has a background in catering, this is the first time she will have run a restaurant.
She said: “We’re doing it together. Mike is in event catering, so he is really in the field of what people need. He’s got many catering units that he works with, so it is definitely his forte. I’m a secondary school teacher, so I’m coming over for something new and totally different. I have past experience working in hospitality, but never to this extent, obviously.”
Nicola continued: “It is going to be a nice hub for people to meet; that’s why we wanted the tearooms and the bistro. So, it is a little bit more glamorous than pub food, but you can come in and have a sandwich and a cake if you wish. There’s no pressure, you can have a coffee, so it’s going to be a very nice hub, hopefully.”
SEE ALSO: Hampshire country pub looks to stand out from the crowd and stay true to its roots
Greens closed in August last year after almost 40 years of business after previous owners Frank and Carol Duckworth decided to retire.
In a post on their website, the pair said: “On Sunday, August 11, 2024, we served our last ever Sunday lunches, after 39 and a half years, we have finally retired.
“Thank you to all our wonderful customers and all their good wishes for the future. We shall miss you all, but cherish the wonderful memories you helped us create.”