A much-loved pub has closed for refurbishment following the retirement of its landlord after many years.

The Sussex Yeoman in Guildford Road, Brighton, is boarded up after the previous tenant retired after 18 years at the helm.

Greene King, which owns the pub, has promised to invest “a substantial sum” to refurbish and modernise it, “enabling the new operator to relaunch it with a new retail offer, focused on craft beer, locally sourced wines and spirits, and a simple fast food offer”.

A spokesman for Greene King said: “We have plans to invest in The Sussex Yeoman and give this much-loved pub a new lease of life.

“It’s early days, but we hope to provide an update later in the year.”

The chain is looking for a new experienced operator to run the pub, with those interested urged to contact Greene King’s recruitment team and apply online.

Greene King operates more than 3,000 pubs, hotels and restaurants, including 30 pubs across Sussex.