AN AWARD-winning Bournemouth pub is to stay closed for the “foreseeable future” despite the easing of the coronavirus lockdown.

The Goat and Tricycle had already warned that it would not be reopening when food and drink venues are allowed to welcome back customers on July 4.

But in an announcement on its Facebook page, the pub – which is owned by independent brewery Wadworth – said that “Wadworth have no plans to open this pub for the foreseeable future”.

It added: “We ask for your patience and support – and we will update on our plans in due course.”

A statement from Wadworth said: “Now that we have received the government guidance for pubs to re-open we are opening our pubs on a phased basis from July 22.

“We expect, by making our pubs Covid Secure, they won’t be trading at 100 per cent for some considerable time.

“The social distancing and new ways of working will currently impact some sites more, including the Goat & Tricycle and therefore we have made the decision to keep those pubs temporarily closed.

“We will continue to review this situation.”

Several customers voiced their disappointment after the pub’s Facebook announcement.

One said: “You were the first and only pub we wanted to visit as locals. I hope you can ride it through and not disappear altogether.”

Another said: “Really sorry to hear that. Soon, hopefully.”

The pub, near Bournemouth’s Triangle in West Hill Road, has won a string of awards, including accolades from CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale.

The government announced earlier this week that pubs, restaurants and cafes will be allowed to open from Saturday, July 4, but they will have to put strict social distancing measures in place.

They will also have to comply with the new “track and trace” regime by recording details of all customers, so they can be contacted in the event of a customer contracting coronavirus.