Pub giant Stonegate has begun searching for a new tenant at The Gauntlet, after the current management team announced it will leave later this month.

The Oaks Precinct inn will shut its doors on Sunday 21 July, citing rising costs as the reason for the closure.

In a post on social media, the outgoing tenants said: "With ever increasing operating costs and supplier increases, it has become an increasing struggle to continue to trade despite Ronnie and the team doing everything to turn The Gauntlet into a great venue."

And now landlord Stonegate has launched an advert looking for a new team to take over, offering an introductory rent of £27,000 per year.

"The Gauntlet is a fantastic opportunity for a retailer with a passion and enthusiasm to integrate themselves into the local community of Kenilworth," the regional manager said. 

"This well-established public house is in very good condition throughout, surrounded by residential houses and with a good mix of regular customs.

"The Gauntlet is an excellent and exciting opportunity, although current business is good there is huge potential to develop trade further with an enthusiastic and hardworking publican."

Until July 21, the pub will remain open as usual and this weekend is hosting another charity car wash in aid of Molly Ollys.

The event runs from 10am to 1pm on Sunday 14 July.

The Gauntlet has changed hands on a number of occasions over the past few years.

The Oaks Precinct inn closed in briefly at the end of 2022 after Simon Moore decided not to renew his lease, reopening in January under the management of Elliot Lawrence-Jones.

It was then taken over by Veronica Bennett and her two daughters who had run The Lion on Warwick Road for six years, last September.

Find out more on the Stonegate website.