A question mark still hangs over who the new buyers of the Hole in the Roof are after Slug & Lettuce and Yates’ confirm it is not them.

It comes only days after fast-food chain McDonalds also confirmed they were not taking over the establishment.

A spokesman for the Stonegate Pub Company said: "I can confirm there are no current plans for a Slug & Lettuce or Yates’ in Deal."

The venue shut its doors for the last time at about 1.30am on Saturday, following a “well-attended and trouble-free” final night of trade.

Manager Richard Harris, who has been there for three years, said: “I’d like to say thank you to all those who have shown their support to the Hole in the Roof and its staff over the many years it has been open.”

He added: “Everyone enjoyed themselves and left happy.”

The pub was The Swan until the late 1990s and was then renovated, reopening as the Hole in the Roof around the turn of the millennium. It gained a reputation as a nightspot and eaterie.

In recent years, under the latest management, it has brought big name acts, such as The Hoosiers, Wishbone Ash and Electric Six, to the town.

In an emotional announcement last week, its management said it is with “great regret and sadness” it had been forced to close due to it being sold.

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.

Mr Harris would not comment on speculation about the future of the venue.

The business has now been fully closed down, including its social media sites.