MYSTERY surrounds the closure of a well-known pub.

The Wheatsheaf Inn at Titchfield, has been boarded up, with no explanation.

The pub, which is owned by Portsmouth-based catering company County Caterers, has undergone a major refurbishment and was wellknown in the village for its ‘gastro-pub’ style of food and real ales.

A note on the door from County Caterers owner David Humphrey says: “It is with great reluctance and sadness that I have had to close the Wheatsheaf with immediate effect. I would like to thank you all for supporting us during these last months.”

Postings by regulars on a social networking page for the pub tell of their disappointment – with one patron saying he was ‘gutted’ the pub was closing.

An update on the website suggested managers at the pub are in talks with its owners over its future.

The pub was planning a “Winter Beer Festival” next week.

Yesterday County Caterers declined to say why the pub had closed or if any staff members had lost their jobs.