Customers and locals have been shocked by the sudden closure of a much-loved Cotswold pub.

Known as the venue for more than one or two post-Cheltenham Festival parties and its closeness to the horse racing community, the Guiting Power inn is now closed.

After nearly two decades behind the bar and running The Hollow Bottom, landlord Hugh Kelly has called it a day.

It was under his management, and due to the close proximity to the nearby base of leading trainers Nigel Twiston-Davies and Fergal O'Brien - Grange Hill Farm - that the pub's reputation for some of the best connected post Gold Cup and Grand National celebrations was forged.

It is understood some customers who booked and paid for food or rooms at the 17th century pub have been left disappointed, but assurances have been given that all money will be returned.

It is also understood the pub, which underwent a substantial investment only a couple of years ago, is only expected to close temporarily while new management is recruited.

Mr Kelly, 50, which also sings with the Cheltenham band Brew 22, is understood to have received a job offer he could not refuse and passed the lease back to the owners of The Hollow Bottom.