A POPULAR gastro pub has suddenly closed after the landlord decided the business is no longer viable.

Matthew Corden shut the Iron Duke, in Stratfield Saye, after 13 years of running the pub on the Duke of Wellington Estate.

He told the Gazette: “I’ve been here for 13 years and have had a fantastic time. But the lease was coming up and I decided not to renew it. Costs are going up.”

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The 41-year-old said the business was no longer viable, adding: “A little country pub can only go so long with business rates rising. People don’t support the local pubs and restaurants as much as they think they do. It’s just time and I feel at ease.”

Mr Corden shut the pub on Sunday, October 1 and is now in the process of informing customers who had prior bookings such as Christmas parties and events.

“Hopefully I won’t disappoint anyone because the good times should outweigh that,” he said, adding: “I’m giving people a lot of time to rearrange their Christmas celebrations. I’m trying to be as fair to everyone as possible.”

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The landlord is now looking forward to having Christmas Day with his family for the first time in 21 years, but said he has no plans yet for his future career.

“I want to make sure my customers and staff are taken care of first,” he said.

“I will try my best to contact them personally and let them know. It’s about fairness and happiness. I ended up being one of the longest independent freehouses in the area. I want to thank everyone who has supported me."

The pub, which also has accommodation, belongs to the Wellington Estate. 

Helen Williams, managing director at Wellington Estates, said: “After 13 years, we wish Matthew all the best in his future endeavours. The estate will be looking for a new tenant to take over the Iron Duke.

"For any inquiries, please contact estateinfo@wellington.co.uk.”