The landlords of a popular Hitchin pub have been left saddened after their child's safe garden was damaged.

Freddy Best and wife Emily who run the renowned Half Moon pub on Queen Street were left frustrated following the anti-social incident which happened at the weekend.

A group of children related to drinkers caused damage to the pub's grassed garden area at the back.

Posting on the official Half Moon Instagram account, they wrote sadly: "We have spent a lot of time and money making this pub what it is today and also our family home.

"[On Saturday] night a group of children whilst parents drank at the table went in and damaged our grass garden area.

"Until now we had let families use this space so kids could run around - supervised - as we appreciate how hard it is to keep them sat at a table.

"Sadly, all the stones were emptied over the lawn, plants have been pulled out and trampled on, the boarders including the metal wires keeping it together have been kicked out, broken and our little boy's toys damaged."

The pub have decided that from now on, children must remain seated at tables or in buggies and must be off site by 8pm.

Freddy and Em added: "Please treat your local as you would want your house to be treated.

"This is our house and that was our child's safe garden and toys to play with."

............

In other news the pub is gearing up to welcome thirsty punters for the Beer and Cider Music Festival this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

There will be more than 30 ales, 10 real ciders and many talented musicians to entertain everyone.

Read Hitchin Nub News and the pub's social media channels for more.