TOURISTS booked into a well-known Grassington hotel and pub have been arriving to find its doors shut following its surprise closure.

Villagers say the Devonshire Hotel in Main Street has been locked up since last Thursday.

The licensees, who are believed to be tenants, also appear to have left.

Other hotels and guest houses in the village have been stepping in to find beds for shocked visitors left 'stranded' by the closure.

And brewing company Timothy Taylor's has been forced to make clear the situation is nothing to do with it, after rumours circulated the firm is the new owner.

The Keighley-based brewery has been trying to buy the Devonshire, but has not completed a deal.

A spokeswoman said: "It is true Timothy Taylor’s is in negotiations with the owner to buy the pub, but at this stage a purchase has not been completed and Timothy Taylor’s does not own The Devonshire Hotel.

"We appear to have been caught up in a situation that is absolutely nothing to do with us. However, we have stepped in to try and help visitors, where we can, by finding beds for them."

Diane Lowe, owner of Grassington Lodge, who is also a committee member of Grassington Chamber of Trade, said she had been able to offer beds to 11 people who had been booked in at the Devonshire during the weekend.

She added: "I have been calling them my 'Devonshire refugees'! One couple had come from Australia and there was also a party of nine. It's shocking to leave visitors high and dry like this and a bit of a disaster for the image of the village – it's one of the busiest times of the year.

"But everyone in Grassington is doing what they can to help."

The Craven Herald made several attempts to contact the Devonshire Hotel but was unable to do so by the time of going to print.

Timothy Taylor’s chief executive, Tim Dewey, said: "If we do manage to secure a purchase we will be investing significantly in this delightful pub.

"We aim to return it to its former glory and provide a thriving food, drink and accommodation venue for locals and visitors alike, in the heart of a fantastic community."