SPECULATION has been mounting over the unexpected closure of an Andover pub.

The Wyke Down Country Pub, in Walworth Road, has surprised customers by shutting up shop, leaving many confused as to why.

The closure was noted by residents who visited the pub’s website, only to be greeted with a message that read: “The Wyke Down Country Pub & Restaurant is closed until further notice.”

The news prompted speculation about the future of the venue.

Members of Andover Book Club, which held its monthly meetings at the pub, were told that the venue had closed its doors for good, and the club would need to search for a new venue.

The pub’s adjoining land has gone under change after it was sold to developer John Romans Park Homes and the former campsite has been transformed into housing development, Mulberry Court, for those aged over 45, and so far has had three sets of residents move in.

A spokesperson from Mulberry Court told the Advertiser that Wyke Down Country Pub is definitely reopening, with the owner having decided to bring in new management.

It is unknown, however, when the reopening will be.

The owner of the pub itself could not be contacted for comment.

The pub’s adjoining land had historically been used as a campsite. The land that both sites occupy were purchased by the Read family in 1948, but has now sold the land.