Barbara Smith breathing new life into The Cat & Fiddle at Hinton, Christchurch

THE new landlady of a Christchurch pub is making it her mission to breathe new life into the site by shining a light on its incredible history.

Barbara Smith has taken over The Cat & Fiddle at Hinton after spending decades running pubs in London, and what influenced her decision to start a new venture was the story behind the 400-year-old pub.

The historic thatched inn is believed to date from the 17th century and was a well-known meeting place for smugglers and highwaymen. It is said there was once a tunnel, used by smugglers, which ran from beneath the stone floor of the pub right down to the coast.

“This pub has so much character and so much history, and that’s what really attracted me to the place,” said Barbara, who grew up in Dibden Purlieu. “Before I had committed fully to the place I was reading up on its background, flicking through a copy of The Moonrakers, a story of smugglers in the New Forest, and one of the main characters was called Barbara.

“Well that was it – I thought, this is a sign.”

The Cat & Fiddle, owned by Vintage Inns, underwent a £2.4m revamp last year and now boasts a stylish conservatory and heated terrace, but the place still retains the old charm, with exposed ceiling beams and expansive open log fires.

“The refurb has done wonders for the place, but I felt it lacked atmosphere,” said Barbara, who lives above the pub with auditor husband Gary. “All the components were there – a beautiful space steeped in history, quality food and drink, and a vibrant local community – I knew I just needed to bring them all together. And that’s what I love doing, injecting life into a place.”

She continued: “The pub is so much a part of people’s memories. I’ve had customers coming in telling me they remember their parents bringing them as kids and they’d play outside. I’ve seen The Cat & Fiddle on the front of fudge boxes sold locally.

“Living back here has been wonderful and I’m really enjoying re-discovering the area with my grandson Charlie.

“I grew up in Dibden Purlieu and went to Noadswood School; my father David Pitt and grandfather Arthur ran the bicycle and hardware shop, AW Pitt & Son in the village.

“I never thought I would move back to the area but you never know what’s around the corner. It really is a joy to be here.”

Barbara has just produced her first pub newsletter detailing upcoming seasonal events at the pub and reproducing old photos of the site handed over by locals.

After celebrating Halloween with carved pumpkins from next door’s pick-your-own farm and live music, the team has lots in store for Christmas including wreath-making workshops with Willow and Wisps on 25th November and 5th December, and a Christmas craft market and light switch-on 2nd December.

Barbara also wants community groups to use the pub for events and meet-ups, and she’s calling on anyone with memories or old photos of the pub to get in touch.

“This is a traditional pub serving quality food and drink – real ales and amazing Sunday roasts,” she said. “The quality of the food is really important to me, and so far the feedback has reflected that.

“Hospitality is not a job; it’s a way of life, a passion.”

Festive menus, including special Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve menus, have now launched. To view menus or book a table, visit https://bit.ly/3O09PfT or call 01425 276050.