A renowned Hitchin pub has been forced to temporarily shut its doors at what should be its busiest time of the year.

The Victoria on Ickleford Road has pulled its last pint this side of Christmas due to staff shortages and safety concerns at Covid rages.

The pub, which was built in 1865, was compelled to make Friday evening their final festive date, thanks to the challenges that coronavirus and its virulent new strain Omicron has brought.

Posting on their official Instagram account, the Vic wrote sadly: "It is with an extremely heavy heart, and another pretty full cellar that I have to say that tonight will be our last service and we won't be opening for Christmas.

"I can't believe we are here again. We have tried so hard to remain open but with so many of the workforce MIA now and recognising the safety concerns of you and our remaining crew we have no choice but to close with effect from tomorrow.

"It's a devastating blow, we fought so hard with the previous lockdowns only closing when we were forced to but sadly our hands have been forced this time.

"Thank you so so much for all of your continued support."

If you have a booking deposit you wish to be refunded then The Victoria request that you email them directly with your booking reference code and they will action it as soon as we can.

They add that a member of the crew will be in touch from this weekend to discuss future options.

The popular pub added: "We'll be back from Monday [December 27], we're not sure how or what that looks like currently but if we can open then rest assured we will."

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Hitchin Nub News says: Prior to the Covid pandemic the acclaimed pub on Ickleford Road hosted an impressive calendar of event including live music, quiz nights, themed food evenings, charity fundraisers, St Food Fridays, VicFEST and Sunday session acoustic nights - and were renowned for their famous Sunday roasts as much as their epic gig nights.

They have a 'great big beer garden', a barn for hire as well as a site for community events - and a real fire - so as and when they open their doors once again, why not join so many loyal punters and pop down there for a pint and support a wonderful Hitchin institution.