Patrons of an historic pub have expressed concern after it abruptly closed without notice.

The Globe – one of Everards' flagship pubs – in Silver Street, Leicester, has been shut for almost a week, with regulars complaining they have been kept in the dark about what is happening to their favourite hostelry.

John Burrows (70), of Humberstone, has been a loyal customer of the pub for decades.

He said: "I travelled there the other day only to find, to my dismay, that it was closed.

"As a regular of over 40 years, you can imagine my shock at almost walking into a closed door.

"What astonishes me is there was no notice or anything to explain or indicate what was happening.

"I am sure I speak on behalf of the hundreds of regular customers of The Globe when I say I have loved this pub and enjoyed the company of all the staff, whom I regard as friends.

"I have recommended the pub to many visitors to Leicester for the quality and variety of its beer and have also enjoyed many a family meal there, too.

Mr Burrows said he has written to Everards asking for an explanation.

He said: "Everards has acknowledged my letter but has not said any more.

"It's all a bit of a mystery. I am extremely disappointed.

"Unless Everards pull its finger out it is going to lose an awful lot of goodwill from many loyal regulars."

Gary Akiens, of the Leicester branch of the Campaign For Real Ale, said: "The Globe is one of the few traditional pubs left in Leicester city centre and has some very loyal customers.

"It's a great pub and has been voted our pub of the month on numerous occasions.

"Everards owes it to the regulars to at least inform them what is happening."

No one from Everards was available to comment.

Hugh Smith-Kerr, who until last weekend was the licensee of The Globe, confirmed he had left the pub after three years but would not comment further.

It is understood he is looking to refurbish a bar in Church Gate.

The Globe opened as a coaching inn in 1720, when it brewed its own ale using spring water drawn from a well beneath the pub which still exists today.

Prior to becoming a public house it was a cattle merchant's and also provided accommodation for women awaiting execution in Gallowtree Gate.

It is rumoured to be haunted by the ghost of a woman.