The landlords of a popular Reading pub have revealed their last day of trading. 

The owners of The Lyndhurst on Queens Road previously revealed that they would be moving on from the pub in a statement released in February. 

Chef and manager Sheldon Fernandes and Dishon Vas said: "We are at the end of an amazing journey as our tenancy comes to an end and we think it's the right time to pass on the baton of this special little pub to someone who can take it forward."

They thanked the team at the pub for their commitment and dedication and for "turning strangers into regulars" and creating a "unique pub experience".

However, they added that the last few years have been "extremely challenging".

Sheldon and Dishon have now confirmed that Thursday, May 9 will be their last day at The Lyndhurst. 

In a post on the pub's Facebook on Friday, May 3, they wrote: "This is our last weekend here.

"Our last working day is May 9. We will be open from 12pm to 7.30pm on Bank holiday May 6. Hope to see as many of you around."

The duo have been behind the helm of the pub since taking it over in July 2019.

The pub was approached for comment, but declined to comment further.

The Lyndhurst has already been put back on the market, with the Stonegate Group advertising the pub for £923 a week. It is understood a new owner has not yet been found.

The history of The Lyndhurst

The pub has had a rocky history, having seen a handful of landlords in the last decade.

In July 2016, the then-landlord Heath Thomas closed the pub after complaining about rising rent costs.

Kris Dorward took the pub over later that year but after three years he also threw in the towel.

The Stonegate Group, which is advertising the site, is currently looking to refinance after falling into £2.6 billion in debt. 

GMB Union has expressed concern for the employees that refinancing could lead to crippling payments to service the debt due to increasing interest rates.

Among the 650 pubs throughout the UK, 71 are spread across Berkshire, with 17 in Reading.

Speaking in January about the company's financial situation, a Stonegate Group spokesperson said: “We continue to invest in our pubs and our people, in particular supporting local pubs which play such a key role in their communities. Our pub business remains very resilient despite the challenges our industry faces, with good like-for-like sales growth across the group.

"Following our recent successful financing announced in December as well as strong recent trading, we are well placed to deliver on our longer-term objectives and we are very confident in our ability to re-finance at the appropriate time.”