The owner of a Kenilworth pub is still looking for a new tenant despite hope that it would reopen soon.

Rumours that the Cottage Inn would once again welcome customers had surfaced on social media after locals spotted that it was being repainted and that the 'to let' sign had been taken down.

However landlord Wells & Co told Nub News that the exterior redecoration was just to help with its continuing search to find a new tenant.

The to let sign is expected to be put back up soon.

The Stoneleigh Road pub has been shut since November after previous tenants Mick Griffin and Sam Heslop-Griffin decided not to continue with the venue after just six months in charge.

The husband and wife team blamed what they called Kenilworth's "small town attitude" for the business' struggles.

Wells and Co has been on the lookout for new tenants ever since and in May began offering three months free rent to a new tenant.

And it has also slashed £1,000 off the rent bringing it down to £29,500 annually.

"The Cottage would suit operators committed to providing great hospitality, with a desire to engage with their local community, enhance the pub's food offer and build upon a strong reputation for community activity," the company said.

"Financial know-how is required to maximise the pub's profit potential, as is marketing experience in order to promote The Cottage's events programme to the wider area.

"Customer age profile is 40+ which suggests a more mature applicant would be suitable."

The pub also has five letting rooms located above the pub, which can be an opportunity for additional income.

The pub has live-in accommodation and would be "suitable for a more mature business couple".

More information can be found here.