THE Crown pub in Bournemouth may closed under the current lockdown, but it has still taken the Pub of the Week accolade so is well worth a visit when it opens again in early December.

Located at Broadhurst Avenue, Northbourne, the pub is run by John and Mel Fitzhenry.

Built as a hotel in 1938, the pub's history is intertwined with nearby Bournemouth Airport.

When charter flights started up in the 1950s, it was used predominantly by flight crew.

But today it is a pub and restaurant, offering a wide range of traditional pub grub and plenty of drinks.

After John and Mel took over The Crown, in May 2013, it underwent a full refurbishment.

John said: "Since we started at The Crown we have never looked back.

"What I love the most about working in a pub is you meet so many different people and both Mel and I have formed some great friendships over the years.”

For pubs across the nation the coronavirus pandemic has hit hard – creating some of the most challenging trading conditions ever seen.

But at The Crown they got through the first lockdown by helping those at the heart of the community they serve.

John said: "The first national lockdown brought an array of challenges for everybody, but Mel and John worked hard to provide food parcels and essential products to the community and to those who needed it.

"Mel also worked at a local hospital kitchen as a catering assistant."

On the current lockdown, Mel said: "This is a difficult time for everybody and we want to continue to help any way we can.

"The local community has shown us some amazing support and it is something we are incredibly grateful for."

Hopefully, when things get back to some kind of normality, the pub will be able to welcome guests again.

So what will be on the menu? The Crown provides traditional pub classics, from hand-battered fish and chips to pies and grills. It offers a varied food menu and has something for everyone, as well as a dedicated children’s menu.

But alongside quality food and ingredients, the Crown also has an extensive drink selection from cask ales, wine, spirits and soft drinks.

Ringwood beers are a firm guest favourite.

Mel will continue to help and work at the local hospital during the second lockdown as a catering assistant.

The couple look forward to safely serve customers once again when possible.