A popular drinking venue has mysteriously closed its doors.

The Hobgoblin in York Place, Brighton, was shut yesterday and no one was answering the phone.

The pub, which often hosts live music, is owned by the Punch Taverns group of companies, but was leased by Pubs 'n' Bars, which has gone into administration. Punch Taverns said today it will be taken over by a new licensee.

A spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that a new licensee has been found to run The Hobgoblin on a temporary basis.

“We are confident that the pub will re-open in the near future.”

She could not say whether it would be open for business on Monday or who the new licensee is.

Meanwhile, a Facebook group has launched protesting at its closure, and already has more than 200 members.

Troubles began at The Hobgoblin, known for its rock music tradition, when its landlord Adrian David Hill, known as AD, left suddenly at the same time thousands of pounds of takings went missing.

However, barmaid Sigrid Jakobsen took it on and it was given a makeover this summer with redecoration and new sound proofing so a wider array of bands could play.

Brighton band Justice Force 5 were due to play at the venue tonight but were told earlier in today their gig was cancelled.

A member of the band Voyeuristic Intentions, who packed the Hobgoblin out on Monday, said: “This has come as a complete shock. The pub was full for our gig on Monday and Matt on the sound desk was talking about his impressive new PA system.”

Update: Pubs 'n' Bars also ran The Dyke Tavern, which has also closed. Click here for more information.