A TOWN centre pub left empty for nearly a year is in the process of being sold to new operators.
The Smoking Dog, on Malmesbury High Street, closed in September last year until further notice, due to “unforeseen circumstances”.
Shortly after, owner Butcombe Brewery confirmed the management team had left and it was searching for new tenants to take over the running of the pub.
The High Street venue has since been on the market and the brewery has now announced it has sold the pub to another operator, subject to contract.
This operator will reportedly reopen the pub to residents, rather than look for an alternative use for the prominent building.
A spokesperson for Butcombe Pubs & Inns said: "Subject to contract, The Smoking Dog has been sold to a pub operator that will continue to run the site as a pub for the local community."
The pub has faced a troubled time over the last 18 months and has been closed for significant periods during that time while Butcombe has searched for tenants.
The previous two management teams both departed during 2023, after a combined 10 months behind the bar.
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