Regulars of a ‘proper community pub’ have expressed heartbreak at the news of its closure.
The Duke's Head, in Hall Quay in Great Yarmouth, will cease trading after last orders on Saturday, June 17.
Landlord Andrew Livingstone, 44, said he made the decision because the lease has ended and the venue's kitchen was too small.
The publican, who also runs venues in Lowestoft and King's Lynn, said: "Our business model has changed and the Duke’s doesn’t have the facilities to do a commercial kitchen."
Mr Livingstone took over the pub in November 2019 after moving from Quay Pride, an LGBT+ bar he had established with his former partner.
He said: "The journey at the Dukes wasn’t an easy one with a global pandemic closing us four months after opening but we’ve enjoyed all the challenges it threw at us.
"It was a proper community pub. We have a very loyal customer base.
"Some of the customers called it a safe haven. I'll definitely miss the community aspect of it, the people you get to know," he added.
READ MORE: New era for historic quayside pub set to host afternoon drag brunches
The venue hosted open drag nights and Mr Livingstone himself is known for his performances as Miss Tish Ewe.
During the pandemic, the pub took part in the Marcus Rashford free lunch scheme, providing more than 120 families with lunch for a week.
It has also sponsored Great Yarmouth and Waveney Pride.
Mr Livingstone has not ruled out opening another pub in the town.
"It's definitely something we would consider but it's got to be the right venue," he said.
On social media, news of the closure was met with sadness.
"Absolutely heartbroken," commented one regular. "This venue has become my home, allowing me to grow and become an established act."
The Duke's Head, a flint-flecked building on the quayside, is one of Yarmouth’s most historic watering holes dating from 1609.
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