Dozens have offered their well-wishes after the leaseholders of a Winklebury pub announced they have been forced to move on.

The Winkle in Winklebury Way took to Facebook on Tuesday to share the sad news.

"To our loyal customers/friends, this is a very hard post to share," it read.

"It is with great sadness that after 13+ amazing years Mandi and I (Martin) are handing the keys back.

"We hoped that we could see the lease out and end our time with a big party.

"Unfortunately after many phone calls for help to the pub company there is none forthcoming and they have left us with no choice

"We will miss you all and we want to say thank you so much for the laughs and love you have given us over the years."

The post continued to thank staff members Stu, Lou, Debs and Trish for their understanding and wished Sharon good luck in her new endeavour."

People were quick to share their heartbreak at the news.

"Gutted for you all - we’ve had so many great times and memories to last a lifetime," one person wrote.

"Please keep in touch and hopefully we can have a drink or three in the near future, wherever that may be."

Another wrote: "So sorry to hear this darling take care & lots of love & best wishes for the future will miss you both so much & the lovely staff."

When the outgoing leaseholders were asked if they knew whether this would spell the end of the pub entirely, they wrote back saying that the "brewery are looking for a couple to take over on new terms" and that it "should be within two months."