The Jolly Farmer pub at Blacknest has been closed by Fuller’s and is being marketed for sale through Savills.

The pub closed its doors on Tuesday, January 2, catching many by surprise having dined in the pub over Christmas and the New Year.

A Fuller’s statement on the pub's website reads: “We regret to inform you that we have taken the difficult decision to close The Jolly Farmer. This is not a decision we have taken lightly, and the pub is being marketed for sale through Savills – a licensed retail specialist.

"We would like to thank all our customers and patrons for their support and loyalty over many years.”

Savills' listing details a detached main road freehold public house and restaurant, spanning over 1.0 acre in a picturesque countryside location. It is available as a 'freehold with vacant possession', with the asking price available on application.

The listing adds the pub "boasts a spacious internal trade space, a function room, traditional skittle alley, and additional ancillary areas, including a trade kitchen". It says the property also features a substantial car park and external trade areas, making it a hub for social gatherings and events.

The Jolly Farmer, situated in the hamlet of Blacknest close to Binsted, is approximately four miles east of Alton and five miles southwest of Farnham.

The modern-day building was built in the early-1990s after a mysterious episode when in 1989, Blacknest was shaken by a massive explosion that completely destroyed the original Jolly Farmer public house.

The unsolved mystery of the 'bombing', heard miles away, resulted in the death of pub chef Clifford Howes and severe injuries to bar manager Richard Dean.

The pub, however, rose from the ashes and reopened after extensive rebuilding.