ONE of the bestknown pubs in the New Forest is closing tomorrow with the loss of about 15 jobs.

The Croft in Langdown Lawn, Hythe, has been sold to a developer, sparking fears that the popular fundraising venue will be replaced by houses.

New Forest District Council has just approved plans to turn the Hampshire Yeoman pub in Hampton Lane, Blackfield, into a convenience store.

Now residents are coming to terms with the fact that another long-established watering hole in the area is shutting down.

The Croft is a former country house that has been part of Hythe’s pub scene since 1955.

Landlady Lynne Kemmish, who took over in May 2010, said: “My family would like to thank the staff and all the customers who have supported us and helped us in building up this thriving, innovative, welcoming pub.”

Hythe county councillor Brian Dash praised the popular meeting place, describing it as “almost an institution”.

He added: “I’ve been on the Waterside since 1965 and The Croft has always been there. It’s changed in all sorts of ways over the years but it’s always been a great pub.”

The Croft, part of which is 200 years old, is understood to have been sold to a development company for £570,000.

Maureen Robinson, chairman of the parish council, said: “It’s a very sad. A lot of money has been invested in the pub in recent years and a lot of time and effort has gone into building it up into a good community venue.”

Two years ago councillors rejected plans to build flats behind The Croft but an application to redevelop the whole site is thought to be imminent.

About 4,500 pubs across the country have closed since 2008 and bars are continuing to shut at the rate of about 12 a week.

The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) is blaming the economic downturn, the tax on beer being too high, and supermarkets selling cheap alcohol.

As reported in the Daily Echo, MPs are calling for the beer tax to be scrapped to halt the demise of Hampshire’s pubs.

The Croft was previously owned by the Spirit Pub Company, based at Burton upon Trent in Staffordshire.

Last night a company spokesman confirmed that it had sold the pub but refused to make any further comment.