The Moonrakers pub in Devizes is closed while new tenants are sought.

The pub, in Nursteed Road, has been closed for two weeks following the departure of Stuart and Elaine Burlingham.

The couple had been at the helm of the Wadworth-owned pub for 18 months.

The Burlinghams also run the Soho pub in Calne and have decided to concentrate on running that pub.

Mr Burlingham said: “It became hard going in this current climate. When we took over at the Moonrakers everything was fine but two months into running it the recession started and it proved difficult ever since.

“We couldn’t split ourselves into two to be at both pubs. I do think the Moonrakers can be a successful pub but it needs somebody there all the time.”

In a notice on the front door of the Moonrakers the couple thanked all their customers and said they had enjoyed their time there.

Wadworth Brewery’s marketing manager Paul Sullivan said the company believed the Moonrakers could be a viable pub.

He said: “We see the Moonrakers as an ongoing opportunity but it needs the right person with the right business plan to come in as the tenant. It will be so much easier for the pub to have a tenant solely focused on the pub.

“We have had previous tenants at the Moonrakers where the letting rooms and the drinks side have worked well while the food hasn’t and vice versa. It’s about getting a tenant in who can do all those things well.”

He said it was likely managers would be installed to run the Moonrakers until a new tenant was appointed.

At the moment Wadworth has 14 pubs looking for new tenants including the Cross Keys at Rowde and The Mill Stream at Marden, although this business is under offer.