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The Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St Albans, Hertfordshire said the heartbreaking decision was made as a result of “challenging” trading conditions caused by COVID-19.

During its 1,000 years of trading, the pub has survived wars, plagues and multiple economic crises.

But landlord Chris Tofalli said he was walking away after he had “tried everything” to keep the pub’s doors open.

Mr Tofalli said the pub – which dates back to AD793 – would reopen under new management but he was ready to leave the post because the pandemic had been “devastating”.

He said: “We are all looking for the best way forward for the pub but it will reopen with new owners and I hope they will keep a bit of the soul and spirit going.”

The pub’s landlord, who has run the boozer for 10 years, also said with tight profit margins, the business had “no safety net”.

In a statement on Facebook, Mr Tofalli said that “after a sustained period of extremely challenging trading conditions, YOFC Ltd has gone into administration”.

He added: “Along with my team, I have tried everything to keep the pub going.

“However, the past two years have been unprecedented for the hospitality industry, and have defeated all of us who have been trying our hardest to ensure this multi-award-winning pub could continue trading into the future.

“It goes without saying I am heartbroken: this pub has been so much more than just a business to me, and I feel honoured to have played even a small part in its history.”

Since his announcement, the much-loved landlord has been flooded with messages of support.

He said: “I’ve never seen anything like it.

“With all the messages I have had, it speaks for itself what we achieved.

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“To be reading about the impact we’ve had on people is mind-boggling and extremely humbling.

“We became an important part of the community… the family we created was huge.

“The time has come for me but we will make sure the handover is seamless and the synergy keeps going.”

The owner of the building, Mitchells and Butlers (M&B), is believed to now be talking to administrators to find a way the pub can reopen in the future.

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