A DORSET pub that dates back to the 1800s has reopened under new management.

The Kings Arms, situated in the historic market town of Wareham on North Street, closed in September 2023 and was put on the market for a new owner.

Now, the pub is owned by the same couple that owns The Horse and Groom in Wareham, Daily Echo’s Pub of the Year in 2023.

Speaking about the new pub, The Horse and Groom manager Joe Carter said: “When the Kings Arms shut down last year it became quite an eyesore for Wareham, everyone really missed it.

(Image: Joe Carter)

“We had the chance to bring it back to life, it was a perfect opportunity, very exciting.

“It closed down in September last year and then we took the keys over in February earlier this year, and we did a lot of work on the inside, made it nice, warm, fresh, and cosy, and built it back up to what it used to be back in the day.

“Customers are so happy that the pub is back open again, we have a good reputation at the Horse and Groom and the Kings Arms and it’s brought a lot of people back to that pub.”

The Kings Arms has a historical background after reportedly being a pub since the early 1800s and a building from 1550.

Regarding the highlights of the new pub, Joe added: “The fireplace in the winter is just the most amazing fireplace and we’ve got a big pub garden. We also had live music a few nights ago which was very entertaining.”

(Image: Joe Carter)

The Kings Arms was previously nominated for a CAMRA award and featured in the Good Beer Guide in 2020.

Owner Bob Pittard said: “I used to work at the Kings Arms around six years ago so now owning it is full circle.

"I saw it as an opportunity to not just reinvent it but open it up and get it open for the locals.

“It's a lovely old pub and everyone is very pleased that it is back open.”