IT once stood at the gateway into Southampton at a bridge which served as the main crossing over the River Test.

But more than 300 years later a historic Southampton pub last night closed its doors.

The Anchor Hotel, in Test Lane, Redbridge, has become the latest to feel the pinch among the licensed trade in the county.

Landlord Julian Whelan said the pub did not fit with his other businesses and it was cheaper to close it and pay the rent rather than pay the running costs because the pub was currently operating at a loss.

He said takings had halved since April, but that he believed the business could work under a more hands-on manager.

Mr Whelan added he would continue to pay the rent for the three years he has left on the lease, in the hope that someone will come in to take it on, but that he did not know the owner’s plans.

“The pub is closing with my involvement.

As soon as the brewery can find someone else to come in and take it over it will re-open,” said Mr Whelan.

“I’m gutted for everyone, but there comes a point where you have to say enough is enough.”

Five staff have been made redundant.

The Grade II listed pub and former hotel can trace its roots back to the early 18th century, at the highest navigable part of the River Test and opposite the stone bridge carrying the old road in and out of Southampton from the west, shown on a 1855 engraving of the scene.

New Forest drovers would drive their animals across the bridge to market in the city and the rural community would “drop anchor” at The Anchor for refreshment.

The pub shared close links with the people who lost their lives on the ill-fated Titanic – as it was used as a stop-over for many of the liner’s crew members before they joined the vessel for its maiden voyage.

Seventeen-year-old “Boysie” Richard Russell, right, the son of The Anchor’s 1912 owners Richard and Emily Russell, signed up as a steward on the ship but like many others, never came home.

In 2009, the then landlord and landlady told how they thought the pub might be haunted by his ghost.

In more recent years a blaze swept through the pub in 2000, but the watering hole was defiantly back open for business the evening after.

Yesterday the pub was using up its last kegs of beer.

Manageress Lisa Amos said: “It doesn’t feel real. The customers are saying where are we going to drink now?”

Regular Wayne Jeffery, 31, from Totton, said: “I’m devastated because it’s our local, I like coming round here – it’s a proper pub.”

Last night John Buckley, Wessex regional director of the Campaign for Real Ale, said: “It is a shame given the pub’s history. Pub companies are not investing in their pubs because they have big debts to pay off and as a result they are selling a lot off, many for housing.

“This sadly is a sign of our times.”

Pub owner Marston’s was last night unavailable for comment.