IT’S a Saints supporting sports bar with food which often tops the Trip Advisor charts - and it’s back open for business!

Staff at Southampton’s 5 Rivers were delighted to reopen their doors this week following the second lockdown.

“I’ve just been so excited to get back behind the bar,” says Karen Gray, who runs the pub in Bevois Valley Road.

“I’m lucky enough to have been furloughed again, but it gets very boring after a while,” she laughed.

“I’ve missed the lovely locals and the friendly atmosphere. I’ve heard from so many people who can’t wait to come back!”

The sports bar and grill boasts 13 screens and has live sport playing pretty much constantly.

Previously a popular choice for fans heading for St Mary's, staff at 5 Rivers are keen to start welcoming back the 2,000 fans who will be able to attend games from Sunday December 13 when high-flying Saints take on bottom of the table Sheffield United.

But, if you're not one of the chosen few to be readmitted to see live football, seeing it just around the corner at a lively sports bar could be the next best thing.

"We were absolutely packed for every Saints game when we reopened in the summer and football restarted," adds Karen. "Well as packed as we could be. We've got it all spaced out correctly but every single seat was taken and everyone had a great time.

"We're so looking forward to the buzz of match day again."

Staff will again be taking bookings at busy times at the bar, which welcomes a healthy mix of locals, sports lovers, students and food fans.

There are no concerns here over substantial meals with the bar’s two chefs back to serving up a superb selection of traditional Indian mixed grills and sizzlers as well as curries, naans and rice, which went down a storm as lockdown takeaways.

The latest deal is a chicken, sheesh or paneer kebab in a basket with a pint for £8.

5 Rivers currently sits number three on Trip Advisor out of 541 restaurants in Southampton, but it has topped the table on several occasions.

With a cavernous basement bar in addition to the main bar on road level, there’s plenty of space for everyone too.

If you can brave the chill, there’s even booths under shelter in the beer garden.

"We'll see how it goes," continues Karen. "It's a daunting time, but we hope that people will help us and come in."