A licence holder of a historic pub will pull the last pint on Sunday after he found out the owner is selling it.

The Sailor Boy in Hitchin will close after owners of the pub, Enterprise Inns, told the licence holder, Brian Moignard, they were planning on selling it to developers.

The 53-year-old, who has been running the pub in Woolgrove Road since January, said: “We were shocked to learn it was being sold off. We only found out last Wednesday. We had no knowledge of it. This is a historic pub and very much part of the community, and it is sad this has happened without any notice.”

It has been suggested that the pub is being sold to a supermarket chain.

Enterprise Inns was contacted by the Comet but was not available for comment at the time of going to press.

nA Grade II listed building which was home to a pub and up for sale has been with withdrawn from the market.

In August, the Comet reported that The Kings Arms in Hitchin was on the market for a guide price of £650,000 and that there were fears it could be purchased and converted into a shop or chain restaurant. But the building, in Bucklersbury, which was open to informal tender until today (Thursday), has been withdrawn from the market.

The building was listed for sale with agent Norgans, who confirmed the withdrawal and said it was anticipated it would be put back on the market once they were instructed by their clients.