A Hampshire pub has ceased trading with immediate effect due to overwhelming costs.

The Half Moon and Spread Eagle in Micheldever closing its doors on Wednesday, May 10.

Owners Paula and Andy announced the news the same morning on Facebook with a statement addressed to their customers and friends.

The post read: “With enormous sadness we have ceased to trade with immediate effect.

“We have faced a challenging few years, Covid within the first 11 weeks of trading, personal illness and the new uncontrollable cost of living crisis. Any one of those things would be hard to manage.

“We would like to thank all of those who have supported us over the past couple of years. We have some amazing customers, many of you became friends and we will miss you.

“I would also like to thank our amazing team who also faced all the challenges with us and gave it everything. You became part of our little family and we are forever grateful.

“The pub has been left in a good clean order in hope the Half Moon can continue and be a success in the future.

“Please respect our personal space at this very difficult time, it will take us some time to come to terms with this very hard decision.”

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Greene King put the pub up for sale in 2018 before it was saved and reopened in 2020 thanks to a community benefit society that formed to update the building to make a community hub.

The future of the Winchester Road spot is now once again unknown. The former publicans have been contacted for comment.

Customers have rallied around the owners by posting their support beneath the Facebook announcement.

Alice Johnson commented: “We shall be very sad to see you go, you did an amazing job first opening the pub and then running it so successfully. Many good memories thank you all so much.”

Phil Smith commented: “Very sorry to be reading this news. You were most certainly dealt a tough hand the last few years. But thank you for all the fantastic food, the family lunches, the evenings with friends - a pub is such an important part of a village. Even the lockdown takeaways, which kept everyone going! Wishing you all the best for the future and hope you are all ok.”