Closed Duck Inn will remain a pub according to Hopback Brewery

The Duck Inn, a traditional pub in Laverstock, closed without warning on Sunday afternoon, May 12.

Landlords Becki and Tim Clifton, who ran the pub for 14 years, said they were "incredibly sad" to announce the closure in a social media post which has since been removed.

The couple gave no advance notice of closure and they have not left the premises, according to the pub's owner Hopback Brewery.

The Journal made multiple attempts to contact Mr and Mrs Clifton, including at the pub, by phone and through social media.

Read more: ​Laverstock: Owners of the Duck Inn close pub after 14 years

Estates manager Ilia Klekovkin, at Hopback, assured residents that he is "actively considering" the best course of action for the Duck Inn.

In an email to Laverstock and Ford parish councillor Nick Baker, Mr Klekovkin said: "I understand the concerns surrounding the future of the pub, especially given the challenges the pub sector has faced in recent years.

"I realise the importance of addressing the community's uncertainty about the pub's future, and I will make sure to provide more clarity on my intentions as soon as possible."

A 'pub closed' sign was posted in the Duck Inn's garden. (Image: Newsquest)

Hopback is exploring its options which include either searching for a new tenant or managing the pub itself in the future.

"We value the local community's support and will work towards a solution that benefits everyone involved," added Mr Klekovkin.

"Unfortunately we can not put any time frame on this for obvious reasons, but rest assured it will remain a public house under our name."

When approached by the Journal for further clarification on Hopback Brewery's intentions for the pub, Mr Klekovkin said: "Unfortunately, we had no advance warning of the pub’s closure and the tenants have not left the premises; they have just stopped trading.

"We would like the pub to reopen so as to serve the community and those farther afield as soon as practicable. After all, our chairman used to live in Laverstock, was a regular there and likes to visit it when in Salisbury."

The Duck Inn suddenly closed on Sunday, May 12. (Image: Newsquest)

The pub's future was discussed at a Laverstock and Ford Parish Council meeting on Monday, May 20, where councillors welcomed Hopback's statement.

Cllr Baker said: "The Duck has been a real asset to the community and there has been much concern about its future. Over recent years its support for live music, Sunday lunches and monthly quiz have played a significant part in the life of the village.

"We wish Tim and Becki every success for the future. We all know how challenging the last few years have been for the hospitality sector and we are glad to see the Hopback Brewery as a local business continuing to support community pubs.

"We look forward to seeing the Duck re-open and to seeing what it's future looks like."