A popular Burnham pub has announced it will be closing in the new year.

The Jolly Woodman, situated on Littleworth Road made the announcement on its Facebook earlier today (November 26).

The owners broke the news, writing: "It is with the deepest sadness that I have to inform you that the Jolly Woodman will close its doors for the last time as a public house on Sunday, January 7, 2024.

"Our landlords Global Taverns (who have been incredibly supportive to date) have decided to sell the freehold and the new owners have no intention of operating the Jolly Woodman as a public house.

"Whilst this news is devastating for everyone involved and especially our wonderful team, we will endeavour to give the pub a great send off with a bumper Christmas and we hope you will join us in putting a smile on everyone’s face and help create lasting memories."

The Jolly Woodman is the oldest pub in the area, having first believed to have been granted a license in 1832.

It has also proven a popular spot for filming, having welcomed in the cast of Genevieve, Carry On Dick, Man in the Moon, Made of Honor, Midsummer Murders, Riot Club, and Outnumbered - to name a few.

Despite its popularity, the owners revealed that the last three years since the pandemic have seen a hit to their trade and they were not in the position to fight their landlords against the decision to sell.

"We tried unsuccessfully to get town planners to accept an application to create four hotel rooms which would have provided us with the potential to purchase the freehold," the announcement continued, "but the planners expressed the view that no material change to the property is acceptable within the Burnham Beeches zone.

"I personally lobbied local councillors, local MP and London county council but to no avail and now the fabulous Jolly Woodman will close... a great shame."

"Thank you all for your loyal support and our great team for their incredible efforts to keep us going through the most difficult times."

The Jolly Woodman will be closing at 5pm on January 7 and will be hosting a "last hurrah" with its favourite ‘Swing and Soul’ act.

The letter to customers was signed: "Love from Mandy Kayleigh Louise Paul Jo Jasmine Emily and Eddie X."