A SOUTHAMPTON pub is set to close as Wetherspoons announced the sale of more than 30 watering holes across the UK. 

The Admiral Sir Lucius Curtis is one of 32 pubs owned by JD Wetherspoon to be put on sale. 

The boozer on Canute's Pavilion is named after the Admiral of the Fleet Sir Lucius Curtis, who was a senior officer in the Royal Navy in the 19th century.

The pub giant, which operates 800 sites across the UK, said the sale is a "commercial decision". 

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: "On occasion Wetherspoon does put some of its pubs up for sale.

Read more: Southampton pub The Bellemoor reopens after huge makeover

"This is a commercial decision. We understand that customers and staff will be disappointed with it. The pubs will continue to operate as Wetherspoon outlets until they are sold."

The Admiral Sir Lucius Curtis is one of several Wetherspoon pubs in central Southampton and currently boasts a 3.5 rating on Tripadvisor. 

Toby Hall, senior director at CBRE, said: "The excellent mix of locations in this portfolio is rarely seen in the market.

"With more than half of the portfolio located in London and the south-east and other strong locations in the south-west, Midlands and [north of England] we believe the pubs represent an excellent opportunity for existing pub operators and new entrants."

Read more: JD Wetherspoons puts 32 pubs up for sale - Full list

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