A COUNTRYSIDE gastropub has closed unexpectedly.

The Royal Oak Hotel and Restaurant in Kelsall has closed due to 'unforeseen circumstances'.

Chester and District Standard: The Royal Oak announced it had closed on Tuesday (October 31)The Royal Oak announced it had closed on Tuesday (October 31) (Image: Google Maps)

In January this year, The Royal Oak was given a new hygiene rating of five, with the council stating that the business has a new owner and management.

Attempts have been made to contact the pub.

However, when the phone number on the website is called, an automated voicemail replies: “Hello and thank you for calling Royal Oak Hotel and Restaurant in Kelsall.

“I’m afraid the hotel and restaurant are now closed until further notice, thank you.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council has also been contacted for any further information on the situation.

This announcement, via Facebook on Tuesday (October 31), comes just months after the former owner was sentenced for food safety and hygiene offences.

William Andrew Shaw, company director of Oak Cheshire Limited which traded as the hotel on Chester Road, pleaded guilty to nine offences on May 24 at Chester Magistrates Court.

Shaw, 58, admitted to serving the incorrect pizza and apologised, agreeing the standards of cleanliness were 'unacceptable'.