ONE of Taunton's largest pubs has remained closed despite the easing of lockdown in the hospitality sector.

While pubs were given the go-ahead to re-open on Saturday, the King's Arms, in Staplegrove Road, is boarded up after the previous landlady retired.

Owners ei publican partnerships is currently advertising for a new tenant on its website.

Beverley Higgins left following lockdown in March after her second spell behind the bar.

At the time, she messaged customers on Facebook to say she would miss her customers, adding: "For it to end like this is a heart break."

Then in May she posted: "Until the new tenants are allowed to open and take over the pub, it sadly has been locked up and mothballed for security and safe keeping."

ei says the pub has a "typical turnover" of £290,000 a year, with an average rent of £10,000, although there would be estimated set up costs of £7,800 excluding VAT.

A spokesperson for Ei Publican Partnerships said: “We can confirm that the Kings Arms in Taunton is currently closed but we plan to reopen in the very near future with a new publican.

"We would like to reassure customers that we are committed to ensuring that this site remains a thriving pub at the heart of the local community.”