A POPULAR pub located at Cricket St Thomas, near Chard, Somerset has officially closed earlier this month, leaving residents baffled.

The Windwhistle Inn, ranked in the top 20 restaurants near Chard and an average rating of 3.5 stars on Tripadvisor and 4 stars on Google, has fully shut down this month, posting “permanently closed” on its website and Facebook.

This closure was very sudden and unexpected with Christmas events plastered all over the Windwhistle Inn social media, including the Christmas Market and Breakfast with Santa and Film Afternoon which were set to take place on Saturday, December 14 from 9am-3pm.

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Residents in the surrounding areas are confused about the sudden closure saying that it is odd that Windwhistle Inn have been advertising their Christmas carvery and other events in December and then closed shop without warning.

One family had even booked a work Christmas party at the venue only to be given their deposit back without warning, followed by the pub closing permanently until new management are found.

A resident spokesperson said: “Shame, that was a good pub with a great carvery.”

Another added: “Such a shame. Over the years people have come and go, it’s such a lovey space.”