A BREWER that shut a popular Basingstoke pub has refused to explain its sudden closure. 

As previously reported, The Beacon in South Ham was meant to close at the end of November, with Greene King stating that the exact closure date would be confirmed "in due course". 

The news sparked a reaction from the community, with two petitions launched to urge Greene King to 'reconsider the decision and keep The Beacon open'. 

READ MORE: The Beacon bids farewell: End of an era for Basingstoke pub

However, the pub then suddenly closed on Sunday, November 12 without warning, leaving the community shocked. 

Customers were planning to hold a send-off at the pub on Saturday, November 25 - the day before they thought it would shut. 

However, vans arrived at The Beacon on Sunday morning and boarded up the premises before the closure was announced on Facebook.

A spokesperson for Greene King said it "recognises that the date of closure was brought forward and [we] apologise for this". 

The spokesperson added: “We can confirm that the Beacon in Basingstoke has now closed. Making the decision to close a pub is never an easy one and multiple factors are always considered.

"We are aware that this is disappointing news to the local community and our loyal customers and would like to thank those who have enjoyed visiting us over the years. We look forward to welcoming them into our other pubs in the area soon.

“We continue to work with our team from The Beacon to find alternative roles at our other pubs in the local area where possible.”

SEE ALSO: 'They're taking away my whole life' - residents react to closing of pub

Asked what it plans to do with the site, Greene King said: "We have no plans in place for the site at the moment."

Expressing gratitude to the community and loyal patrons, the pub posted on Facebook: "We have made the difficult decision to close The Beacon with immediate effect.

"We appreciate that this is disappointing news to the local community and our loyal customers, and we would like to thank each of them who have enjoyed visiting us over the years.

"We are continuing to work with our team to find alternative roles at our other pubs in the local area where possible, and any customers that have bookings with us will be contacted in due course and offered a refund or alternative booking at one of our other pubs in the area."