A PICTURESQUE watering hole that offers panoramic views across a popular river has been temporarily closed to allow agents to search for a new landlord.

The Ramsholt Arms, near Woodbridge, is expected to be shut for three to four weeks for refurbishment. The pub, on the banks of the River Deben, is a popular venue for those whose boats are moored nearby, while in the summer it also attracts visitors from further afield eager to take advantage of its impressive location.

One man whose boat is moored at Ramsholt said: “It would be an awful shame if the pub was to go – in the summer it is always full of people whether they are eating outside or having a pint after sailing. And the kids love playing on the beach as well. There is no better location for a place to eat and drink but it is a bit off the beaten track and I imagine the winter trade must be difficult to tempt in – surely with a roaring fire and a good line-up of ales people would still like to come down to the water for a bite to eat though, even when it is a bleak in the winter.

“The previous landlord was always very welcoming but it was only really busy in the height of summer or at weekends – the view alone should make it a destination people should be willing to trek out to. With the weather starting to get better I hope it can be sorted quickly or a lot of people will be very disappointed.”

Property specialists Strutt and Parker are looking for someone to take on the lease and the company’s James Pearson said they already had a couple of interested parties.