The Binsted Inn is up for sale as a pub - just 40 days after its abrupt closure.

Mystery surrounded the reasons why the pub shut on November 27, a day before its suddenly advertised final day and with a sandwich board outside still listing Christmas and new year opening hours which were never enjoyed.

In a statement on November 26, the pub’s team said: “It’s with great sadness that we share the news that The Binsted Inn will be closing its doors after four wonderful years.”

The Herald spoke to a man outside The Binsted Inn on November 28 who said he worked for the landlord and was there to “clear out the pub”, but he did not know whether the closure was temporary or permanent.

It would appear the clearing out only applied to personal belongings as the pub - featuring a bar, restaurant, snug, 23 parking spaces, six boutique ensuite rooms, three staff rooms, planning permission for eight shepherd’s huts, a big garden and a terrace - is available to anyone who fancies being at the heart of Binsted’s social life.

Speaking to the Herald, The Binsted Inn’s owner Tanya Kamm said: “Thank you and the team for your continued support of The Binsted Inn over the past four years. Your coverage has been greatly appreciated and has played a part in helping us reach local residents and visitors to the area.

“As you know, The Binsted Inn is a multi-award-winning country pub, known for serving high-quality, seasonal food in a relaxed village setting. We also offered AA four-star, individually designed bedrooms, which have been a real highlight for our guests.

“We wanted to share the news that The Binsted Inn is now on the market through Christie & Co, freehold at £795,000. We are pleased to say there has already been a good level of enquiry and interest.”