LOCALS have expressed their sadness after The Magpie and Crown pub closed its doors last week, following the news that its landlords were unable to meet a 15 per cent increase in rent.

Stephen Bolton, landlord of the Brentford High Street pub for 13 years, said: "Given the current climate and the circumstances in Brentford High Street you can't help but wonder why they (the owners) wanted to increase it and not just keep it the same.

"I think there is a strong element of greed there to be honest," added the 43-year-old.

The Magpie and Crown which draws customers from all over West London, is famous for its real ales, which were being given away for a pound a pint on its final night last Monday.

Brentford council-lor, Andrew Dakers said: "From everything I hear, quite frankly the freeholders and their property managers have lost the plot.

"I wonder whether they have even recently visited Brentford High Street? All things considered, with the development blight on High Street Brentford and the recession, the Magpie and Crown was still doing a reasonable trade.

"Its real ale product offer was also fairly unique locally, which is why I am doubtful another pub landlord would be able to generate much more turnover."

The Magpie and Crown has played host to about 2,070 different guest beers since Stephen and his business partner took up the lease in 1996 and is one of Brentford's most popular watering holes.

Julia Quilliam, who runs an estate agents in Brentford said: "This is another blow for our poor old High Street."

"Its a real pity," wrote Kevin Farnan. "It was the only decent real ale/foreign beer/cider/perry pub in Brentford and with reasonable prices that also served great Thai food. I wonder what the owners will do with it now? Leave it shut so that it falls into disrepair and then sell it off for housing as has been happening all over the country?"

A recent report revealed that about eight per cent of town and city centre pubs have closed since the start of the year, prompting many to wonder how long it will be before more of Brentford's boozers are forced to call last orders.

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