A large pub in Bristol which earned a loyal following for its craft beer selection, food offering and live music events has closed down.
Nettle & Rye in Clifton Village was opened five years ago by the Scarlett Pub Company, which also owns The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer on King Street.
But the independent pub group has sold the King's Road property to a restaurant operator, which is due to be announced in the coming weeks.
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The sale of Nettle & Rye has allowed Scarlett to take on The Strand in Cheltenham and The Butcher's Hook in Thornbury, taking its portfolio of pubs to three.
Alex Major, managing director of Scarlett, said: "We love the area and the pub but somebody has made us an offer which allows us to move on to other properties and explore new opportunities.
"We will continue to run The Volley and we're essentially swapping the Nettle for The Strand and Butcher's Hook. It just felt like the right decision for the business.
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"It's definitely an emotional farewell. The heart says we should stay, but the head says it's time to move on and let someone else have a go.
"We wish our successors all the best."
The last time Nettle & Rye traded was in December 2020, and it has not opened since the third national lockdown began in January.
Alex said that while coronavirus isn't the reason for the closure, the pandemic and a "lack of support for pubs" has made the past year a "very difficult time".
The new owners of the building, which was home to The Hophouse before Scarlett took over, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
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