THE owners of a pub which is set to close has revealed it is on the hunt for a new individual to run the site.

The Lion, in Earls Colne High Street, revealed on social media its last day of trading will be on August 4.

Situated in a historic building which has been restored, The Lion is known for serving classic pub meals, pizza in a large wood-fired pizza oven, and putting on live entertainment and activities for patrons.

Residents were sad at the news of the closure.

Earls Colne Parish Council chairman Nikki Spelling has lived in the village for 35 years.

She said: “My personal reaction is that it is hugely disappointing, what used to be a well-used and popular pub appears to be run into the ground and we are losing it.

“When the village is getting bigger rather than smaller, we are losing a facility.

“It is a beautiful building, when it was under private management it was very well used.

“It is a very old building, it was restored, they did it up beautifully, they did a fantastic job restoring it, as it had been modernised and you couldn’t tell how old it is.

“We will miss it.”

Beautiful - another image of the buildingBeautiful - another image of the building (Image: Google Maps)

Now, Red Cat Pubs, which owns The Lion, has explained it is looking for a new individual to take on the pub.

A spokesman said: “The Lion, Earls Colne, is a fantastic pub and we are currently looking for a new Pub Partner to work with us, as we move the pub into its next chapter.

"We are currently looking for someone with a passion for pubs, flair for food and drink, and a desire to maximise every opportunity this site has to offer in the community.

"Anyone who is interested in the opportunity should please search for us on findmypub.com to find out more.”