A PUB in Hurstbourne Tarrant has closed its doors for good after the owners failed to find new owners to buy the lease.

The George and Dragon announced the closure in a Facebook post on Saturday, June 1.

Publicans Ryan Stacey and Billy Callaway, who took over the 16th century, Grade II listed building, in February 2022, told customers that they have been trying to sell the lease on the pub.

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The George and Dragon pub in Hustbourne TarrantThe George and Dragon pub in Hurstbourne Tarrant (Image: Google)

However, after an offer fell through, the pair 'don't have the capital available to continue to operate the business' as they wait for a sale.

The pub closed on Sunday, June 2, with customers calling the news 'sad'. One said: "Such a shame, great food and atmosphere."

Another added: "This was the best pub in the area for food, drinks and service and always seemed busy and popular, very sad!"

A third said: "Oh no! Had a couple of really good meals there recently, such a shame."

Ryan and Billy said they would like to thank their team as well as their 'loyal customers' for all of their support.

The post reads: "To our dear customers and friends,

"As many of you know Ryan and I have been trying to sell our lease on the George and Dragon, in a bid to keep the business open and trading.

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"However, the offer we had in place, has fallen through and we find ourselves in a position where we don’t have the capital available to continue to operate the business whilst we try to wait for a sale.

"It is for this reason, that we must announce with very heavy hearts that we will be closing the pub as of 9pm on Sunday 2nd June.

"We have done everything in our power to avoid this but find ourselves with no other choice.

"If you have a booking with us (either table or bedroom) in the coming weeks and months, please be patient with us whilst we make our way through contacting everyone.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank our team for all of their incredible hard work and support, and of course to all of our loyal customers who have supported us over the past two and half years."