Devastated patrons have paid tribute to a beloved 19th-century pub following its closure.

The Three Cups Inn in Dover has shut its doors for the final time, and is now set to be transformed into flats.

Planning documents have revealed plans to house four apartments within the former pub in Crabble Hill, which was founded in 1847 had its last farewell on Saturday (January 7).

The 175-year-old building had been put on the market for £275,000 by owners Victoria Inns on November 4, 2021, with offers for redevelopment to be considered along with the opportunity to continue to run the pub.

In a letter included in the documents, estate agents Savilles said that the company had focused on potential buyers who would run the inn as a going concern, but had received no such offers.

"We can categorically confirm that this public house was marketed to the widest possible audience, with specific targeting to public house applicants," added licensed leisure director Adam Bullas.

"We can confirm we received no offers from public house users or investors looking to continue with its use or letting.

"Our client decided to accept an offer from MJ Real Estate Ltd, whose intentions are to convert the subject property to an alternative use."

The developers added that the business had "struggled to perform at a viable level" for some time.

On New Year's Eve, the pub's landlords posted on its Facebook page to announce that the first week of 2023 would be the business's last in its current form.

"After creating memories and great times for many people since 1847, the 7th January 2023 will be the end of the era," they added.

"Thank you to all current and past customers, and don't forget to come in for your final farewell before it's too late."

In a follow-up post on Sunday, they added: "Thank you to everyone who supported us at the Three Cups.

"Many friends and memories made, for which we are very grateful."

The news saw a number of patrons pay tribute to the landlords and the pub, with a number saying they were "gutted" to be losing the local watering hole.

One asked: "Does that mean The Three Cups is closing for good? We had such happy childhood memories of the bowling alley there in the Sixties."

Another added: "Oh no! This is so sad. Doing my family tree and found out my great,great uncle was landlord here back in the day.

"I had wanted to visit this year and the Dover area to trace family footsteps. All the best for the future to you both."