THE Knights Rest pub/restaurant in Taunton has closed its doors.

The leaseholders at the venue, which is based in Castle Green, say they have been trying to negotiate a long term lease with the people that own the building without success.

The venue was previously called The Drawing Room and Winchester Arms.

In a statement to customers, the leaseholders said: "It would seem though, that they [the owners of the building] are more prepared to hire a security company to take care of the building than they are to negotiate a long term lease at a reasonable rate.

"This being the case I have been left with no alternative but to close the doors, or alternatively hand over the running to a willing new publican, at this moment in time, there seems to be none."

On the post, they thanked customers who have supported them over the last five months.

Shocked customers posted on the pub's Facebook page with one punter adding: "Very sad as you guys made super-dupa hosts and could have made such a success of the place."

For anyone who booked an event or function for 2014 and paid deposits should contact the venue via e-mail on knightsrest@hotmail.co.uk