STAFF at a popular Malvern pub have revealed they are looking to leave next year- but they are still open until then.

The Unicorn made the announcement after rumours spread on social media it had gone out of business.

However, the announcement also revealed it would be giving up the pub on Belle Vue Terrace by May 2025.

Aaron and Laura Whalley took over The Unicorn in July 2023 with the aim of breathing new life into the pub. 

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Rumours on Facebook that the pub had gone out of business prompted the duo to clear up the situation, revealing they had decided to slash the opening hours temporarily due to health reasons, but were very much still trading.  

A statement released on the pubs social media said: "Just to clear up any rumours, we are open. 

“Hours at the pub are currently reduced due to health reasons.

“Unfortunately we have made the difficult decision to give up the pub but we are not planning on leaving until May unless someone can take over before then as we wouldn't want the pub to shut.

"This decision is due to both personal and business reasons and we are going to miss all our amazing customers when we leave.

"We will let everyone know if we do leave earlier as we wouldn't be going anywhere without a goodbye party.

"We want people to come on in and see us still and keep an eye out for any events we're holding."

The reduced hours will see the pub shut on Monday's and Thursday's and a revised timetable for the other five days.

Punters took to social media to react to the news. 

One said: "The pub certainly won’t be the same without you guys, it is such sad news but I understand why. 

"I certainly won’t be going there after you guys leave, I only go because of you."

Another added: "This has become one of my favourite spots to perform over the last couple of years and that’s because of the atmosphere you guys helped to build. 

"You’ve done an amazing job with the Unicorn, but I know your next venture will be bigger and even better without a doubt."