THE Nag’s Head, one of Abingdon’s most historic pubs, is the latest watering hole in the town to call time on drinkers.

Staff were told on Friday that the pub, on Abingdon Bridge, will close on Tuesday, January 4.

The decision is being blamed on high rents and tough winter trading.

In the summer the pub, which has a garden and conservatory overlooking the Thames, is busy with tourists and boaters.

General manager Tracy Smith said the seasonal fall in trade, combined with rent of about £2,000-a-week to the owner of the pub’s freehold, had led to the closure.

She added: “If the people of Abingdon had used the pub more in winter, then perhaps we would not be in the position we are now.

“I have done everything I can to drive trade, but unfortunately it has not been enough.

“Punch Taverns runs the pub but there is a rent payment of about £2,000 a week that goes to a private landlord.

“It will be a shame to see such a historic building boarded up on one of the main gateways into Abingdon.

“It would be nice to see someone come in and run it as a pub, but the building is very old and might need some structural work.

“If some money had been invested in the pub two or three years ago then we might not be in this position. It is such a shame.”

Johanne Green, 39, a spokeswoman for the Abingdon branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, said: “The Nag’s Head is in such a lovely location that it would be disastrous if the building was sold for development.

“It was good news when the King’s Head and Bell reopened last year, but some other pubs in the town appear to be in trouble.”

The closure of the Nags Head follows the decision by Greene King to allow Tesco to turn the Fitzharris Arms, in Thornhill Walk, into a supermarket in the new year.

And the Plough Inn, in Stert Street, another Greene King pub, is up for sale.

The Nag’s Head was originally three crofters’ cottages built in the 16th century.

They were joined together and first licensed as a pub in 1856.

Nag’s Head regular John Uttley, 50, an assembly worker from Abingdon, said: “You would have thought the brewery could have kept it going. It’s a shame but it’s a sign of the times.”

Seven staff work at the pub, including Ms Smith, manager for the last year.

Punch spokeswoman Jo Mathers said: “It is with regret that we have decided to close the doors at the Nag’s Head on January 4 as the business is no longer viable.

“We are working with the team to seek alternative employment within our pub estate and are in the process of considering options for the site, which will include discussing its future with the landlord.”