MYSTERY surrounds the future of an historic pub in Ellesmere which has been closed since before Christmas.

The Black Lion pub, a former coaching inn, is in Scotland Street, in Ellesmere, and is close to the Llangollen Canal, with a beer garden and has a bar that dates bakes to the Tudor period.

The pub closed shortly before Christmas, though meals were served on Christmas Day – without alcohol – and was allegedly one of a few businesses in the town that were robbed over the festive period.

A 'To Let' sign was also placed on the pub's exterior at around the time of the closure.

The pub is owned by Admiral Taverns, and an advert available on the business's website says the company is looking for someone to take over the lease at around £13,000 a year.

It says: "Are you looking for pubs to let in Shropshire?

"The Black Lion is a landmark site situated in town centre of Ellesmere which is near the English/Welsh border from Shrewsbury to Wrexham and Oswestry and is quite a tourist spot.

"There are four caravan parks within a five-mile radius; the mere canal plus lots of outdoor pursuits with Chirk Castle and Whittington Castle nearby.

"The town has a small market town feel with its independent traders, Co-op and Tesco being the only national brands in the town.

"The town has two schools and a short distance outside of Ellesmere is the college.

"Ellesmere has a population of approx. 3,835 made covering a variety of ages, making this the ideal opportunity for daytime and evening trade."

Prospective new landlords are able to learn the set-up of the pub from the job advert, including the pub's two snugs – one with an open fire – and the main bar, which dates back to the Tudor period.

There is a sports bar at the rear of the hotel with restaurant spaces and a function room, with 10 rooms available with king-size beds in the hotel.