A PUB where 'every taste and experience is a new one' is our Pub of the Week.

Located in Southbourne Grove, The Wight Bear is a popular live music venue and family-run micropub known for its "ever-rotating cask ales and beers" and a jam-packed schedule of touring artists from around the world.

Simon Bentley and his son Louis are the creative minds behind The Wight Bear's 'engaging' atmosphere and 'outside of the box' ideas.

(Image: The Wight Bear)

Simon said: "We are serious about our music. We only have touring bands or artists who are releasing albums.

"We have people perform here who could play much bigger venues, but we've created an environment that suits their music."

While The Wight Bear hosts a variety of music, it focuses on alternative folk.

In September, it is presenting the Finnish-born artist Joose Keskitalo and a 'captivating talent and vital new voice in the great canon of English folk music', Yoshika Colwell.

In addition to music, The Wight Bear also offers DJ nights, comedy, poetry and quiz events for its guests.

Simon said: "We do things differently, with a broader outlook on our audience and engaging with our customers.

"We don't want to be mainstream or lazy; we want to be brave and think outside the box."

Adding to the venue's quirky charm, The Wight Bear offers a unique selection of drinks, from banana chocolate stout to Sicilian wine.

(Image: The Wight Bear)

Simon ensures the drinks served are not found in mainstream pubs or supermarkets.

He added: "We love proper beer as much as someone who really, really loves proper beer.

"We're constantly changing our barrels and kegs, so there's always something new to try, while also bringing back some old-time favourites."

Food-wise, The Wight Bear offers a range of small plates and snacks, including locally sourced cheese boards, scotch eggs and baked bread.

Pop-up food trucks frequently visit the venue, often selected to complement the drinks on offer.

Simon added: "Southbourne is one of the most progressive, forward-thinking towns in the country, and we have an amazing customer base."