A PUB that was closed overnight and turned into an antiques store looks set for a reprieve.

The Dyke pub in Brighton, could reopen later this year albeit in a smaller form just months after its shock closure.

Landlord Martin Webb said he had been in discussions with campaigners fighting to save the pub about reopening in half of the Dyke Road building following its conversion to The Emporium in September.

Mr Webb also told The Argus he had sold the lease on the award-winning Connaught pub in Hove as part of plans to move away from the pub industry after 30 years.

The former business partner of MP Simon Kirby, who also sold the charity pub The Robin Hood in Norfolk Place, Hove, two years ago, said he would remain in charge of The Stoneham in Portland Road, Hove.

He told The Argus: “I have tried to come up with a solution to The Dyke which I’m putting into planning this month.

“I have listened to what the locals have said and will reinstate half the building as a pub and half the ground floor will remain as a shop.

“The Dyke will be returning but in a more sustainable size. It’s such a massive site that it will still be about the same size as The Robin Hood.

“I’ve spoken to Save The Dyke and I think we can make it work.”

The Connaught in Hove Street has developed a strong foodie reputation over the past eight years and Mr Webb said customers would see little difference with the long-serving management team of Lee Cooper and Krister Greer.

Mr Webb said: “I have had The Connaught for eight years and I felt I have taken it as far as I can.

“Personally I’m moving away from pubs though I will be keeping The Stoneham.

“I have sold The Connaught to the management team. They have been the management team since we opened, so it will be business as usual.

“I have been doing pubs for 30 years and I want to try and do some different things.”