Punters have expressed their sadness after a historic high street pub shut its doors for the last time.

Shepherd Neame says popular The Globe Inn, in Hythe, "no longer fits business needs" for the brewery.

A farewell party was held at the boozer - which dates back to the 1600s - on Saturday night.

A sign has since been placed on the pub's door letting people know it is "permanently closed".

Property director at Shepherd Neame, George Barnes, said: “We can confirm that we have taken the decision to sell The Globe Inn, Hythe, as it no longer fits our business needs.

"The pub is being sold as a licensed premises.”

The building is not yet on the market, but the brewery has appointed Christie & Co as agents for The Globe.

The pub was known for its live music and events on Saturday nights.

Its website states: "The Globe Inn promises a warm welcome for all - but never more so than on a Saturday night, when you’ll typically be greeted by superb live music."

It also won the Shepherd Neame ‘Beer Hero’ prize in 2016.

A final goodbye to customers was held over the weekend, with a post on the pub's Facebook page reading: "This will be the last music night at The Globe Inn and our farewell party!"

Fans of the pub have reacted to the news online, expressing their dismay at seeing yet another business close its doors.

One said: "This is so sad. It's the only place in Hythe that had live bands."

Another said: "Another pub closing. It seems the great British pub culture is going to be a thing of the past. Such a shame."

The Globe now joins a growing list of pubs and businesses being closed or put on the market.

At the other end of Hythe high street, The Butt Of Sherry has been listed on Rightmove.

As well as this, the landlord of The Compasses in Crundale, between Ashford and Canterbury, decided it was time to call last orders.

Bobbie's Bakehouse, in the old signal box at Folkestone Harbour, has also closed.