A POPULAR Wirral pub has closed its doors.

Historic pub and restaurant, The Glegg Arms on New Chester Road in Heswall, announced it would be permanently shutting from Thursday, July 4.

The closure comes as part of a wave of Beefeater closures.

A Whitbread spokesperson said: "After many years serving the community we can confirm the Glegg Arms is closing its doors (last day of service is July 4). We'd like to take this opportunity to thank the local community for their support over the years and our amazing team members."

The Glegg Arms which first opened as Crabbe’s Inn in the 1840s, became part of Whitbread’s Beefeater chain in the 1980s and has been serving food and drink to customers ever since.

Earlier this year, Beefeater’s parent company, Whitbread announced it would be converting more than 100 of its restaurants into Premier Inn hotels.

In an email sent out to customers on Tuesday, July 2, Beefeater said: “We are writing to let you know that we’ve announced plans to make changes at some of our restaurants and unfortunately Glegg Arms, Beefeater in Wirral will be changing to a Premier Inn restaurant and will only service those staying in the hotel after 5th July. We apologise for any inconvenience this will cause.”