A SOMERSET pub's owner has released a heartfelt message after it was confirmed that his drinking spot is set to close down.

Based in Castle Cary, it was confirmed that ownership is changing hands at The George Hotel, with the Newt Estate purchasing the business grounds.

The George Hotel's pub is described as a "beloved community pub" and is situated opposite The Market House.

The quaint 15th-century inn is 4 miles from Haynes International Motor Museum, and 13 miles from Glastonbury Abbey, the legendary burial place of King Arthur.

Speaking after it was confirmed the pub's land had been bought, Dan, the owner at The George, said: "A mutual decision has been made, deemed the best for both parties, that from late December 2025, we will cease trade and handover to The Newt.

"This gives us 14 months to leave an unforgettable mark on Castle Cary." 

Lunch at The George starts at 12pm and finishes at 3pm.

The pub's evening service is available between 5 and 9pm, from Monday until Saturday, and on Sunday it is available between 5pm and 8:30pm.

The Newt Estate already own their own namesake Somerset pub, 'The Newt', which resides in Castle Cary.

The Newt working estate in Somerset has acres of splendid gardens, woodland, farmland and cyder orchards to explore. 

Continuing with his statement confirming the pub's fate, Dan said: "This will not come as a shock to most of you, and we apologise that we have not clarified sooner, however, we now feel it necessary to be as transparent as possible with our lovely community and locals.

"As many of you know, the Newt Estate purchased the George property, allowing our business to continue to run, untouched inside it."

Despite the business continuing, the owners have decided that it is best to move on and, as mentioned earlier, The George will stop operating.

Another member of the team at the George added: "Dan has spent over 20 years at the helm of this community asset, and he has seen a plethora of staff, locals and residents come and go.

"The George itself has seen so much change in its lifespan, and that continues on, no matter who the occupant is.

"It has seen fires, wars and pandemics but has also seen joy, love, family and most importantly community. We know just as much as you how vital The George is to the spirit of the Community in Castle Cary, and for as long as it's still in our hands we promise to keep that going.

"2025 will be a year of our lasts, from our last New Years in just a few months time, to our very last moments when that last orders bell gets rung for the final time.

"Castle Cary. The George would be merely a building without you, so please join us in saying goodbye for one last year."

If you would like to visit the Somerset pub before it closes, you can still do so before the end of next year.

The George Hotel is at Market Place, Castle Cary, BA7 7AH.

The team at The George Hotel ended speaking by wishing the new management well: "We wish the Newt all the best with their refurbishment and hope that with their help the building will stand for another 600 years."