A ONCE popular pub close to the city centre is being given a new lease of life and will be ready to open its doors to the public this week.

The Anchor and Hope pub on Winchester Street is set to become a hub with a type of entertainment not previously seen in Salisbury.  

Reece Brown who is already the landlord of the Royal George Pub in Bedwin Street will take on the Anchor and Hope which has been closed for some weeks.

Reece said: “I am still keeping the Royal George but just want to give the Anchor and Hope another chance.”

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The Anchor and Hope is currently undergoing a complete makeover. It will have an 80s feel, a geometric ceiling and there will even be a bathtub and ducks.

Trained in circus routines, Reece plans to use his skills to provide monthly performances and has arranged a hoop and silks.

Reece took over the Royal George during the Covid pandemic and despite all the odds, crafted a successful business maintaining the original ambience of the pub while providing entertainment in the garden.

He hopes that by bringing his flair and enthusiasm into this new venture, he can make the pub successful once more.  

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Reece said: “I must be mad but I’m so excited about this. I absolutely love the industry and can’t see myself doing anything else. There will be nothing else like this in Salisbury.”

The pub will officially open on Friday, July 7 at 12 noon.