MYSTERY surrounds the sudden closure of an award-winning pub and restaurant in Southampton.

Bosses at Dancing Man Brewery at Town Quay have issued a statement saying the business has shut temporarily "due to unforeseen circumstances".

But no further details have been given by business partners Aidan Lavin and Mandy Lacey.

The statement says; "It is with much regret that we have to inform you that due to unforeseen circumstances, Dancing Man Brewery will be temporarily closed with immediate effect.

"Don’t you worry we shall be back very soon!

"We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming you all back as soon as we can.

"Please keep an eye on Face Book and our website for news and updates. Many thanks Mandy and Aidan."

Dancing Man Brewery occupies a 700-year-old building that was used in the Middle Ages to store wool before it was transported to Europe.

Its website outlines the history of the business and lists the many awards it has won over the years, including an "amazing" number of CAMRA accolades.

It adds: "We have been voted Best Pub in Southampton for the last four years and received the Best Design in the South back in 2016 for what we did with an unloved and empty building.

"Our restaurant was voted Best Restaurant in Southampton back in 2018 – this accolade came from Time Out Magazine.

"Our Vaults and Vino evenings with SEE Southampton gained us a silver in the Beautiful South Tourism Awards in 2018 and most recently, although we didn’t win, we did get into the finals of the Casual Dining Restaurant and Pub Awards for the Menu Innovation award, so we are pretty chuffed and look forward to winning next year!"

The Daily Echo has attempted to contact Dancing Man Brewery for comment.