MYSTERY surrounds the future of a Test Valley watering hole.

The Malthouse Inn in Timsbury, which is owned by Enterprise Inns, is fenced off and closed.

It appears to have been closed now for several weeks.

The last boss at the pub was Gavin Wright, who took over back in September 2014. He told the Romsey Advertiser that he planned to spend more than £120,000 on refurbishments at the Stockbridge Road pub and eatery.

Before him the pub had been closed for six months in 2014 as Enterprise Inns looked for new owners.

The previous landlords who ran the pub for 12 years from 2002 to 2014 were Martin and Carol Rickman.

Since leaving the Malthouse Inn, the pair have stayed in the pub trade. Carol runs The Phoenix while Martin looks after the Sun Inn, both in Romsey.

The Malthouse Inn is listed on the Enterprise Inns website as seeking a new publican to take it over on a five-year tenancy agreement.

A statement on the company’s website said: “The property has an extensive internal trading area, along with a great patio area and a vast garden that is currently underutilised.

“This site has fantastic appeal and if developed it has the potential to become the best drive to destination for both food and drink.

“Enterprise is willing to invest in the property with the right publican to help reach its full potential.”

Spokesperson for the Southern Hampshire branch of Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), Julian Long, hopes that a new landlord will take the pub over soon.

 Mr Long, said: “With an average of 29 pubs closing each week CAMRA would be very keen to see this establishment opened again under new management and returned to the popular establishment it was.

“The longer that any pub remains closed the more difficult it is for the new licensee to turn it into a successful venue in a relatively short space of time.”