The closure of a popular village pub in the south of the island has sparked shock and speculation on social media.

Mystery surrounds why the doors of the Colby Glen are shut.

Heron and Brearley who own the hostelry were asked for a comment by the Manx Independent and we were promised a statement. But we had not received a response as we went to press.

Looking through the windows of the pub in Main Road, Colby, menus can still be clearly seen on the tables.

Plaques outside indicate that the Rotary Club of Rushen and Western Mann normally meet there on Tuesday evenings and The Inner Wheel Club of Rushen and Western Mann also use the place.

There was ’no comment’ from staff at the adjoining Spar shop.

Social media was buzzing with speculation over why there is no sign of life at the inn which always used to attract regulars from the Colby area as well as visitors from further afield.

Pubs in the island were allowed to fully open again last Thursday and drinkers have been celebrating being able to enjoy a tipple or two.

Our sister paper the Examiner reported this week how patrons at another Heron and Brearley pub, the Haven, in nearby Port Erin had enjoyed themselves, even though supplies of Okell’s Bitter, ran out on Sunday night.

One Colby resident wrote on the social media site Facebook: ’Would love to be joining so many others on the Isle of Man in going to the pub to celebrate our Covid-19 freedom but sadly not as it’s understood the brewery has decided to close the Colby Glen!’