A Kenilworth pub that hit the headlines when the owner blamed locals for putting him out of business is still for sale - two months after it shut its doors.

The Cottage Inn took its last orders in November 2021, just six months after new owners Mick Griffin and Sam Heslop-Griffin welcomed their first customers.

Interest has been shown in taking it over but landlord Charles Wells is still hunting for a new tenant to give the Stoneleigh Road pub another chance.

"I can confirm we have had interest in the pub and are progressing with finding a new partner," a brewery spokesperson said.

The Cottage Inn, which is available to rent for £30,500 annually, had a significant amount spent on renovations before reopening last May.

But some residents lamented the loss of the pub's traditional look.

"They've taken away all the character and old world charm," said Jacqueline Taylor, "this looks so cold and clinical."

Whilst Nigel Flint added: "It's a shame such a beautiful old English style pub was turned into a gastronomic London eating house instead of the rustic looking place it once was whoever takes this on gas to return it to its glorious best."

And the advert, which describes the Cottage Inn as "an enticing opportunity to take on a popular community-focused local pub" also advises that £28,500 would need to be invested just to get the pub open again.

This includes a deposit, as well as new glassware, training and fixtures and fittings.

The previous owners' tenancy was due to end in March 2022 and there is currently nobody in line to take over from then.

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