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Crook residents have been left confused as their favourite spot for a pint and live music appears to have closed without notice.
Customers say they had spotted the Crook Hotel in Hope Street, known for its home-cooked food and plenty of entertainment, had closed at the start of July - with no clear sign that it will reopen.
The venue has played a key role in Crook’s music scene, with Facebook group ‘Crook Music Scene’ writing: "Been asked about the sudden closure of the Crook Hotel two weeks ago.
"We have no updates yet on when it might reopen, only 'Crook rumours'.
"Hopefully someone can take it on soon, as it really is vital to Crook's music scene."
The post added: "The closure of The Mill still being a very big miss. I'm told it's getting harder and harder for pubs every month now but here's hope.
"Note there are other music events over next few weeks within town. It's more important than ever to support the pubs/clubs hosting them.
"Particularly by making good use of the bar, as that is what ultimately pays for the bands.
"But as for the Crook Hotel, all we can do is keep our fingers crossed it's back with us soon.
Crook Hotel last took to their social media on June 25 to promote a musical act, but it has been radio silence ever since.
Locals have taken to social media to share their disappointment, with one person writing: “Go there often from Peterlee for live bands. Cracking pub. Hope it can be sorted.”
Another user wrote: “We travel from Consett to watch the bands on a Sunday as do a few more friends! Crook Hotel will be a big miss.”
One other said: "Agree it’s a great pub with good bands and my band has played there on a couple of occasions.
"The reality is we all need to support our local pubs or they will all disappear.
"While much of the attention is on the sadness of the closure, many are also wondering what will happen with pre-existing bookings and events."
One person shared: “Will miss the pub miss the crack with the lad’s best pint in Crook. I hope it will get resolved sooner than later.”
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The future of the pub is up-in-the-air then, with no information shared from the Crook Hotel landlord.
However, writing on the pub's last social post, one local suggested that it will be closed "for the foreseeable" but will eventually open under "new management".
This is just a rumour, with both the reason behind the closure and the venue’s future still unknown.
The Northern Echo has contacted Crook Hotel for comment.