The Temple Inn on Forest Road, Liss Forest, has reopened following a £300k refurb from entrepreneurs, Mark Robson and Mark Williams, co-founders award-winning, independently run and owned, Red Mist Leisure.
Red Mist Leisure were approached by a pub task force called Save Our Temple Inn (SOTI), which had been formed via the Liss Resident’s Association. The community’s village pub, which has been closed since January 2017, is the group’s tenth pub, of which five are in Hampshire.
Led by Head Chef Dale Harris, the kitchen is focused on creating a seasonal pub menu featuring traditional classics, including the Red Mist Ale battered haddock served with thick cut chips, mushy peas & homemade tartar sauce, and homemade chicken, ham & leek pie, served with seasonal greens, red wine jus & seasoned chips.
Starters such as John Ross whiskey-cured smoked salmon served with a horseradish and dill crème fraiche and pickled beetroot are proving popular, as is the homemade chicken liver parfait with real ale chutney and toasted ciabatta.
There are sweet treats like homemade maple & pecan tart with rhubarb & custard ice cream, and warm rich chocolate brownie with toasted pistachios & Jersey ice cream.
The Temple Inn has taken steps to ensure suppliers come from Hampshire and the South East of England wherever possible, and to support small British producers.
The pub is also a member of Hampshire Fare to further champion the great produce which the county offers such as The Great British Butcher, Alf Turner, Tunworth Cheese from the Hampshire Cheese Company and beer from the Hop Art Brewery.
The Temple Inn has a garden featuring a decking area with picnic benches and festoon lighting.
Pub Manager, Nat Thatcher commented, “We’re delighted to be open and look forward to welcoming our customers, both old and new. This is the start of a new era for the Temple Inn and we hope the locals of Liss Forest and the surrounding area, who were keen to save their pub, are proud of what we have all achieved together.”