A YEAR on and a treasured ‘spit and sawdust’ pub in Southampton is still going strong.

The Frog and Frigate has been described by customers as ‘a way of life’ – famous for its crammed feel, beer-drinking punters and hearty live music.

Now, one year after the venue was restored to its former glory, the landlords have said they’ve gone from strength to strength and they’re celebrating their first birthday in true Frog style.

Derek and Lorraine Gardener are at the helm of the pub, having owned it for 10 years before closing down in 2009, and taking it on again in 2015.

Customers – known as Froggers – were devastated by the closure with many saying the venue was home to their most treasured memories and the reason for scores of long-lasting friendships and relationships.

So when the pub was restored by Derek and Lorraine at the beginning of March last year, more than 100 Froggers returned to reminisce and thousands have returned since.

During the past year Derek and Lorraine have been determined to keep the Frog brand going, taking to social media to spread the word.

Lorraine said: “The last year has been absolutely amazing, we’re thrilled we finally have the Frog back.

"We spent five years fighting for it, it sounds a bit arrogant but I don’t think the Frog would work without Derek, he is the Frog Prince and he really makes this place what it is.

“It’s been brilliant growing the Frog into an even bigger brand, we’ve got so many loyal customers and it’s been amazing to see them all resurfacing and getting back in touch, it shows just how special this place is to so many people.”

For the last year Derek and Lorraine have been busy running the venue, running their Facebook page which has almost 3,000 likes and their website, as well as designing a new logo and Frog and Frigate tops, hosting live music nights with Southampton musicians every Thursday, and launching a YouTube channel called The Lily Pad Session for city artists.

Lorraine added: “We’re not stopping, there’s so much we want to do and we’ve got lots of plans coming up for the next few months and so many Froggers planning trips to come down - we’ve had a year of organising special events but also so many new people have joined us now which is brilliant to keep the legacy going.”

Exactly a year after re-opening on Saturday, March 5 the venue will be hosting its first anniversary Frog Hop from 7.30pm.

Due to a mix-up last year with tickets a group now known as ‘The 52’ will have guaranteed places to attend if they want to and then everyone is welcome to attend as long as they can fit in the door.

To keep up to date with the Frog Hop or what Lorraine and Derek have planned for their second year, visit www.frogandfrigate.co.uk where there are also links to all their social media accounts and YouTube channel.

As well as the party, Lorraine is hoping they will be able to open the top bar as part of the anniversary celebrations and they are planning to bring back the Frog and Frigate football table later in the year.

She added: “There are a few things going on, we’ve had a slight refurb and we’re bringing some things back like the football table, which our regulars from years ago will probably be very excited about.

"We’ve had a really exciting year and we’re so happy that we’ve got the Frog back.”