A number of pubs in the Bristol area are on the verge of being turned into flats and there are concerns this could become a growing trend.
With the coronavirus crisis wreaking havoc on the pub trade, property developers will be eyeing up the vacant buildings left behind, keen to build flats in their place.
Considering The Griffin in Warmley, South Gloucestershire, has remained shut since the first lockdown began in March 2020, its regulars will no doubt have feared the worst.
But those people - and indeed anyone concerned about the prospect of widespread closures - will be relieved to hear that the large community boozer on the outskirts of Bristol will be reopening.
Not only that, but it's set to undergo a major refurbishment before welcoming customers for food and drink again after a lengthy hiatus.
The Griffin is owned by Hall & Woodhouse - a brewery which owns numerous pubs near Bristol including The Upton Inn in Upton Cheyney and an eponymous bar in Portishead - but had been leased out to pub operator Greene King since 1995.
After Greene King's lease came to an end in June 2020, Hall & Woodhouse chose to take it on and and are now lining up a renovation.
The company has found a new publican to take up the reins of the business when it can reopen once coronavirus measures are eased.
Mark James, Property Director at Hall & Woodhouse, said: "Hall & Woodhouse has owned the Griffin for a number of years and Greene King was a tenant of Hall & Woodhouse.
"The lease with Greene King recently ended and as such Hall & Woodhouse have decided to refurbish the pub and are currently looking to select a tenant to run the pub once restrictions lift.
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"Once pubs are able to open again we will confirm who the tenant is and the opening details."
The Griffin last had a makeover in 2013, carried out by Greene King.
The pub boasts a large car park and garden, and before its closure in March had numerous HD TVs showing sport.
