A pub renowned for its live music will call last orders for the final time at the weekend.

The team at the Hole in the Roof, celebrated for bringing big name acts to the town, such as The Hoosiers, Wishbone Ash and Electric Six, will say farewell to its punters on Saturday night.

In an emotional announcement, its management said it is with “great regret and sadness” it will be closing.

It follows a difficult period for the Queen Street venue, which was served with a noise abatement order at the end of last year by Dover District Council, but management say the closure is due to it being sold.

“The building has been purchased and announcements will be made via the local press what will happen in the future shortly.

“All the staff and the owners would like to express their warm thanks to all customers and appreciate all the kind thoughts and help towards the noise abatement we have had to face over the last year.”

The order led to live music and entertainment being cancelled temporarily while manager Richard Harris launched an appeal against the decision.

He started a petition calling on the community to support the venue and collected more than 1,700 signatures.

In the document, Mr Harris said the order would have a dramatic impact.

“The premises has operated as a late-night entertainment venue with local and nationally known acts/DJs,” he said at the time.

“Within Deal itself, and the wider area, there is a distinct lack of music venues or safely operated premises which can offer the style of entertainment The Hole In The Roof has provided.

“If the noise abatement order continues to overrule the use of music in the premises, the foreseeable future of the premises will be in jeopardy.”

Soundproofing was later installed to enable it to continue as a music venue.

In a message to customers, the management says its final night of trade will be on Saturday, with free entry and drinks offers, and they will stay open until 2am or 3am depending on how busy it is.

Andy Steele, spokesman for Dover District Council, said the Hole in the Roof proprietors were contacted in 2014 following complaints about noise at the pub.

“The council worked with the owners to explore solutions but complaints continued and after noise disturbances were witnessed on a number of occasions, a noise abatement notice was served in November 2016,” he said.

“We continue to work with the owners following ongoing concerns from the community about noise levels earlier this year.

“To the best of our knowledge, the premises are closing for refurbishment only.”