Famous Status Quo pub closed

A Surrey live music pub where bands such as Status Quo and Genesis once played has been forced to shut because it can only host one gig a week.

The Shepherd Neame owned Greyhound in Redhill, Surrey will close on Saturday after it was restricted to hosting just one live music night a week.

We have been restricted to 50 gigs a year - that is just not enough for to pay the bills​David StaceyGreyhound tenant

The pub had a reputation for music stemming from the 1960s. Tenant David Stacey first had the pub from 1995 to 2000 and was brought back last Christmas in an attempt to save the venue.

"You can no longer abide by the old rules of keeping the windows and doors shut and having music,"​ he said. "Because we are in a residential area and because there have been complaints over the years, we have been restricted to 50 gigs a year.​

"That is just not enough for to pay the bills. The pub is the only in the area with a hall for bands, so it will be a sad loss."

Stacey added that the smoking ban and poor summer had also played a part. "The summer was rubbish. I think the smoking will hit more in the winter. For example, we had a popular band here on a summer's night and the weather was awful. Only nine people turned up. ​

"They may have wanted to see the band but the thought of having to go outside to smoke probably put them off."

Shepherd Neame has put the freehold of the Greyhound up for sale. Stacey and his wife are moving to a food-led Shepherd Neame pub in Risley, Berkshire.