Can i sue for defamation ot character?

[dfox1294]

On the 9th of last month I was assaulted in a local night club both I and the offender were arrested for public disorder section five. Since then I have been placed on a scheme called pub watch which stops me from entering any pub and club within the town I live in. That's the short story im seeking legal advice for the above already. The issue I have is as follows, the land lady of what used to be my local drinking hole has on many different occasions spoken about me to friends and regulars regarding me as a thug and publicly talking about my ordeal. Her actions have and are causing me great distress and are rueing the reputation I have within the pub and surrounding area. Please can somebody put me on the Wright tracks as to action I can take against the land lady of the free house? Many thank Dave.