LONGSTANDING owners of a Laverstock pub have stepped down until further notice.

The Duck Inn, a traditional pub near Salisbury, mysteriously closed on Sunday afternoon, May 12.

Owners Becki and Tim Clifton, who have run the pub for 14 years, said they were "incredibly sad" to announce the closure in a social media post.

The pub's signs have been stripped and a notice propped on a table at the entrance states 'pub closed until further notice'.

Salisbury Journal: There was no sign of life at the Duck Inn on Monday morning, May 13.There was no sign of life at the Duck Inn on Monday morning, May 13. (Image: Newsquest)

Just one day before the shock closure, the Duck Inn hosted cover band Glasshouse for an evening of entertainment.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Becki and Tim said: "We are incredibly sad to inform, as from today, the Duck Inn is closed for business until further notice.

"Thank you to all our locals and the community who have supported us for the past 14 years.

"We love you all."

The Duck Inn, which won CAMRA's 'Country Pub of the Year' in 2017, has since deleted its Facebook page and the post is no longer available to view.

One customer said they had fond memories of the pub from when they lived in Laverstock. They  commented: "I'm so sad to read this. It was on our list for the next time we come to Salisbury. Your roasts were the best. I feel bereft!"