A BELOVED local boozer has announced it will reopen its doors before Christmas.

The Rope and Anchor in Woolston made the shock announcement that it would close its doors at the end of October.

This came following a period of time when the pub was on the market though was not snapped up by any buyers.

The decision was made for the watering hole to temporarily close its doors on October 31, with the brewery - JW Lees - announcing it was an ambition to have the pub back open before Christmas.

At the time, the pub's social media account read: "As the pub has been on the market for the past three months, there has been no successful takeover.

"Therefore, the brewery has decided to close its doors to the public on October 31.

"[Our] last trading day will be the October 31, until 11pm.

"[The] brewery has informed us that [the pub] will re-open in future.

"Please contact JW Lees brewery if you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter."

Taking to social media, the new management team made the announcement that the beloved pub would be flinging its doors open once more.

The Rope and Anchor will reopen on Monday, December 4, just three weeks before Christmas.

Posting on social media, the management said: "We are delighted to announce the Rope and Anchor will be open at 4pm on Monday, December 4.

"We are looking forward to meeting old and new customers.

"We will be showing all live sport - exciting times ahead."