A Darlington pub has been forced to close after its licensee has handed back control of the historic venue to the owner due to financial costs and the physical toll of running it.

Announcing the news in an emotional statement on Sunday (August 28), the owners of The George, which is based on Bondgate in the town, revealed that they’d be stepping away from running the pub after six months at the helm.

Taking to social media on the official page of The George, the post set out to thank all the loyal customers of the pub – but the physical and mental drain, alongside the financial impact, was behind the decision to hand the pub back to its owners.

Read more: Wensleydale villagers asked to help save their pub 

The post read: “Sadly this week, I've had to make the decision to close The George and hand it back to Admiral Taverns.

“I’d like to thank everyone that came and supported not only myself, the pub, and the fantastic Pat and her dinner over the last six months, but unfortunately it wasn’t financially viable.

“It started to affect my health physically and mentally. I’d like to wish whoever takes over next all the best and I hope to see some of your faces round at my other pub The Three Crowns.

“From me and the team, thank you.”

The announcement from the pub comes on a Bank Holiday weekend when pubs and bars in Darlington and across the UK will be thriving.

After posting the closure notice on its social media page, customers posted their sadness at the news but wished the licensee well in the future.

Commenting on the post, one social media user said: “Sorry to hear this. Wishing you good health and all the best for the future,” while another added: “You made the right decision focus on you.”

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