A popular village pub near Nantwich which closed without warning to regulars is to be sold, its owners have confirmed.
We revealed how The Lamb on Wistaston Road in Willaston was boarded up and closed suddenly on Monday with villagers saying there was no notice.
Now the landlady and the company which owns the pub have confirmed it has been put for sale.
Its owner Punch Pubs claim they want the pub to be sold on to someone who will continue to trade as a pub.
In a statement, Punch Pubs & Co Head of Estates Stephen Radford said: “We regularly review our estate to ensure it aligns with our long-term strategic goals.
“Following a review earlier this year, we made the decision that The Lamb no longer fits within our future plans.
“As a result, we will be placing the pub on the market for sale, with the intention of it continuing its use as a pub. Further details about the sale will be available in the coming days.”
Landlady Belma Likic told Nantwich News: “As you know the Lamb is up for sale and that’s all there is.
“They (as in brewery) would never tell you these things in advance, nor the reason for it.
“Financially it probably makes sense for them to sell it, rather than keeping it open.”
Some in the village are speculating it will be sold for more housing, although that has not been confirmed.
Villager Caz Bryne told us on Monday: “What a massive loss to the village.
“It’s been here for years and is part of our history. It’s such a shock.
“We think it’s part of a planning application for houses, but we don’t really know for sure.
“We’re regulars in the pub and we’re trying to find out more.
“This village needs amenities like a pub if it’s going to keep growing with new houses.”
Is the social club across the road still going? I’d imagine the beer over there is a lot cheaper and few people go pubs these days