A VILLAGE pub has suddenly closed its doors.

The New Inn at Stamford Bridge has shut this week, to the dismay and disgust of many customers.

Another pub in the York area, the Blacksmiths Arms on the A19 at Skelton, also remained closed yesterday. Both pubs are owned by Samuel Smith’s Brewery of Tadcaster.

When the brewery was approached about why they had shut and whether they would re-open - and if so when - a spokesman declined to make any comment.

The landlady of the New Inn, situated near the bridge over the River Derwent in Stamford Bridge, also declined to comment yesterday.

But New Inn customers have been venting their feelings on Facebook below an announcement which simply stated: “Unfortunately the pub is closed.”

One person posted that they were "mortified", and added: “What a huge loss to the village.”

Another said: “Sorry to hear that. We had great fun at the weekend, playing darts and drinking some lovely ale. Hope it’s nothing too serious.”

A third customer posted: “Great biker meeting place for us. Not anymore, that’s a real shame.”

Many praised the landlord and landlady, who they said had worked hard to improve the pub.

Christopher Tregellis, chairman of the York branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), said such pub closures were a concern.

He said that when pubs shut suddenly and unexpectedly, and without obvious reason, it caused inconvenience and confusion for customers and the local community.