A SOUTHAMPTON pub has closed its doors for a £140k revamp.

The Brass Monkey in Shirley Road is set to be transformed into a “brilliant pub at the heart of the local community”.

The watering hole has been taken over by the Craft Union Pub Company and is set to reopen in the second week of March.

There is a planned investment of around £140,000 and the existing publican Debbie Edwards, who has run the pub for 8-years will be staying on.

A spokesperson for Craft Union Pub Company said: “We are delighted to confirm that we’ll be taking over the Brass Monkey, Southampton. The site will benefit from an extensive refurbishment while still maintaining its character and atmosphere.

“We believe that the British pub plays a vital role in the lives of its customers and our philosophy at Craft Union is to put brilliant pubs back at the heart of local communities.

“We are committed to nurturing this by investing in the site, ensuring that we retain the tradition and the heritage alongside improving the quality of the community offer.”

The company claims to decorate pubs to the highest of standards, creating welcoming places people want to spend time in.

The Brass Monkey has been run by Debbie - a familiar face - for the last eight-years.

According to Debbie, the locals have told her she is never allowed to leave.

Originally from Poole, she has worked in pubs since she was 18 years old and moved to Southampton 14 years ago.

During her time at the Brass Monkey Debbie claims to have transformed the “rough and ready” pub from to an “inviting and calm establishment”.

Previously called the Rising Sun, the pub decorated with a giant golden monkey holds a 4.5-star rating on review site TripAdvisor.

A brass monkey was something for storing cannonballs on old naval ships, Debbie reports, although this definition has been disputed.

Posting on social media, Debbie said: “I shall be staying in my post as manager here.

“Thank you all for your support over the years. I shall look forward to seeing you all when we reopen on the 10th of March. Love and best wishes Debbie. X.”

Following the revamp the pub will not serve food.

Husband and wife team Kamil and Karolina Strachyra had run takeaway pizza service What a Pizza from the Brass Monkey carpark, but have since left.