Last orders for The Romany pub in Northampton as couple are told to leave after 10 years at the helm

The landlords of a Northampton local say they will "miss the people the most" after being told to vacate their pub after 10 years at the helm.

Selena Mullen and her partner Rob Okeefe have run The Romany in Trinity Avenue for 10 years, and were making preparations to open again after the lockdown on July 4.

But now, the couple and their family are packing away a decade's worth of memories in the pub and their flat upstairs after their operators, Wellington Pub Company, told them they were closing the local down.

Selena told the Chronicle & Echo: "We're going to miss the people most of all. We've always been a family-oriented pub.

"We've got two locals who are my lad's godparents. We've got to know so many families who have had their birthdays and parties here. We're going to miss all of that the most. It's heartbreaking."

Selena and Rob have lived able the Romany with their three boys for 10 years after taking the helm in 2011.

This year, VE Day would have been their 10th anniversary at the Kingsley pub, and they were planning to put off a celebration until after the lockdown was over and it was safe to do so.

But now, they have been given to July to find a new home.

Selena said: "I didn't think it would happen like this.

"But I was worried we would struggle after we reopened since we survive on parties and venues. We would have liked to have been given the chance to open again, but in a way, it's a silver lining.

"Why be bitter about it? We've got to keep our spirits high for the boys and treat it like an adventure.

"Our customers and regulars have been so supportive. There have been tears, some have been angry - just the whole range of emotion."

The Romany was a popular spot for sports and live music and has hosted dozens of live events in the last 10 years.

It comes as pubs across the country prepare to reopen after the lockdown on July 4 with social-distancing rules in place.

Wellington Pub Company has reportedly not sold The Romany, but is considering it for a "change of use".

The company has been contacted for comment.