The future of a Brightlingsea High Street pub looks uncertain as it remains shut two weeks after the previous licencees retired.

Stuart and Angela Richardson left Ye Olde Swan – owned by Punch Pubs & Co – on Sunday, February 8 after 27 years behind the bar.

An advert for the pub on Punch Tavern’s website is offering the pub on a Tenancy at Will (TAW) agreement, which the company says is “a temporary arrangement extendable at short notice” and  “doesn’t cover all the protections of a complete tenancy as outlined in the codes of practice and the Landlord and Tenant Act”.

The company also says that it has “full internal and external redecorations planned to modernise the venue” and that the right publican will “capitalise on the tremendous food opportunity, serving breakfast to overnight guests, lunch, and dinner, and incorporating seafood and fresh fish specials “.

The  popular local – which dates back at least 500 years – has two bars, four rooms for bed and breakfast, and private accommodation with three bedrooms.

Punch Pubs operations manager, Mark Nield, told Brightlingsea Info: “We understand the value that the Ye Olde Swan has in the community of Brightlingsea, and it is our priority to see this pub reopen and trading again.

“We are working hard and having ongoing conversations to be able to welcome guests back through the door as soon as possible. We look forward to updating the community in the coming weeks.”