THE future of one of Andover’s most famous music venues is up in the air, with tenant landlord Steve Dillon leaving with a heavy heart.

A holding company is to take on the George Inn, with Steve leaving due to the current economic climate hitting many pubs all over the country.

Steve said: “I have been here for so long now and I think I have come to the end of my run. This last year from Christmas to Christmas is the first time I have owned the pub, having been manager for years before.

“As with all pubs in the trade we also took a hit and being selective over what we put on here in terms of music and not being a mainstream pub it has been very difficult.

“A holding company is taking on the venue and we don’t know what will be done with it at the moment.

“We have grown so much over the years, starting with a couple of speakers on a table to buying brand new lights and audio equipment and having a refurbishment not long back.

“We’ve had so many great and varied bands, including Deaf Havana, Young Guns, Echotape, The Madisuns, Yearbook, Outside Central and Sondura.

“We’ve also held great events such as Burnout Festival, Fairplay and Crispystock.”

Steve plans to continue holding and promoting alternative club nights in the town in the future.