MYSTERY surrounds the future of a wellknown neighbourhood pub in Southampton after it suddenly closed without explanation.

Steel shutters and a “pub to let” sign have gone up at the Obelisk Hotel pub in Woolston.

Now the long-standing community boozer known for its pub quizzes, live acts and outside play area is lifeless amid mounting fears that last orders have been served.

The pub’s owner Enterprise Inns is remaining tight-lipped about why the lease ended or whether it would sell the building as a pub business or for development.

A company spokesman told the Echo: “We are currently considering all our options for our pub. There are no firm decisions at the moment.”

A sign has been posted in its window, dated Thursday, March 31, and detailing a “notice of peaceful entry” by the pub company who stated that it had entered the premises and that “the lease is at an end”.

The pub was formerly run by Gary Gawn and Rachel Booth.

The abrupt closure has been met with dismay among local people.

Mile Newton, of Swift Road, said: “It has been here for such a long time, it was a such a vibrant pub, so it is sad to see it shut up.”

Cllr Warwick Payne, who represents the Woolston ward on Southampton City Council, said: “My wife and I are regulars at the Obelisk and whenever we have gone there they have always seemed to be doing a good trade.

“The Obelisk Hotel is one of Southampton’s most historic pubs and to suddenly find it closed when I had only left town for the weekend came as a horrible surprise.

“I will be approaching Enterprise Inns for immediate talks on why the pub closed without warning and what help I can offer to get it reopened as soon as possible.”