A MUCH-LOVED traditional village pub has closed.

Last orders were called at cobble fronted 17th century Crown in Lower Peover on Sunday.

It is the latest Cheshire pub to shut down as the cost of living crisis and soaring fuel charges hit the hospitality industry.

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Manager Janet Birtles, who took over five years ago, and barmaid Belinda Sheen, who has served behind the bar for many years,  were sad to say goodbye.

Regulars are sorry to see the Crown Lane hostelry shut as it had become a popular hub in the local community.

The pub staged live music, open mic nights and encouraged teams to put their knowledge to the test on quiz nights.

Darts and dominoes teams enjoyed meeting up for matches.

Various community events were hosted at the pub including a Halloween fancy dress for children and a Christmas market for local small businesses.

Villager John Bushby said: “Janet was already an experienced publican when she took over the Crown five years ago, never imagining the problems that were soon to beset the hospitality industry.

“A replacement manager has yet to be found.”

Home cooked food served at the pub won five star reviews on Trip Advisor.

Visitors hailed it a ‘lovely homely pub’ with a ‘perfect atmosphere’, describing the landlady as ‘down to earth with brilliant service skills’.

Another guest said: “The food was exemplary and utterly delicious. Attention to detail was second to none.”