It added:"They are doing this as they believe the place would work better as a student-focused sports bar without any food offering.“The place will be fully refurbished and have more screens added and a bar all the way around, with cut price drinks initially to attract customers from further afield.
"We’ve not been given the option to continue as tenants or managers as we have other premises and they want someone to be ‘fully focused’ on the job."If anyone has paid a deposit for Christmas/December meals there are two options, these can be transferred to Roadhouse on Newland Avenue or you can have a refund, just drop us a message or drop in.“A real shame to see a pub at the heart of the local community for 86 years go this way, but we have very little control over the matter.
Responding to the announcement, one local resident said: “I cannot see this working. Sad, disappointed and angry reading this. “Best wishes to the staff who have worked there for many many years - the community will miss joining you for a pint and a lovely family pub meal.” Another comment read: “Why a sports bar? This is a lovely little pub, surrounded by lots of houses, which gives locals something that isn't available anywhere in the local area.“I hope all the people who live around the area object to the change, as it's not right for the area.”Stonegate did not respond to requests for comment.