JD Wetherspoon has confirmed it will hand back the lease on The Hat and Feathers pub in Seaham, meaning the much-loved Church Street venue is set to close in 2027.
The company said there is no agreed closure date for the pub, which has been a regular meeting point for locals.
Statement from Wetherspoon
A spokesperson said: "Wetherspoon does on occasion close some pubs, and this is the case here. We understand that customers and staff alike will be disappointed with the decision."
Locals have reacted with sadness on social media, with one writing: "It's a hub for loads of people to go as well. Church Street is already struggling."
Recent closures in the region
The news follows the closure of Sunderland's William Jameson as a Wetherspoons earlier this year. It has since reopened under new ownership, leaving the city with just one Spoons — The Cooper Rose.
The closures come despite a £1 million refurb under way at the Wetherspoons inside the Metrocentre.
