THE FUTURE of a Southampton pub is hanging in the balance after it shut its doors.

The Stile, owned by the University of Southampton, has poured its last pint, with it’s future as a watering hole now uncertain.

Leased by Greene King, they have now handed it back over to the university as the facility decides whether to reopen it, or to use the building for another purpose.

Despite the uncertainty, the university confirmed that it has no plans to demolish the building, which sits on its Highfield campus.

Regulars had been given a ten-day warning for last orders, with the pub, on Burgess Road, given notice that Greene King would not be renewing their lease.

The pub’s social media accounts have also confirmed its closure, with drinkers paying tribute to the pub and its history. It is the third and final pub around the Highfield area to close following The Gate and The Crown and Sceptre pubs several years ago.

It now leaves Burgess Road without a watering hole.

A spokesperson for Greene King said: “The final day of operating was September 21, with the facility now handed over to the University of Southampton.“We have ended our association with the pub, as the university now has the building back.”

The company had previously said that there would be no redundancies, with all staff being transferred to other Greene King pubs in the company.

Whether or not The Stile reopens as a pub remains unclear, with the university confirming that it’s assessing all options.

A spokesperson for the university said: “We have now taken possession of the building and the university is examining all options for alternative use.”

The facility had previously said that there were no current plans to demolish the building.

The university also admitted that there was no timescale on when a decision on the pub’s future would be made, with students returning to begin their studies for the year.