The Beehive pub in Abingdon has sold its last pint and will become a restaurant.

After a long and, recently, chequered history, owners Greene King have called time on the 250-year-old pub, which has been closed since June.

Estate agents Thomas Merrifield Commercial recieved six bids for the Grade Two listed building in Stert Street, two "well in excess" of the asking price of £150,000. Greene King accepted the highest offer -- from a restaurant interest.

A succession of managers have struggled with the Beehive's troubled reputation.

It was the only pub in the town that did not to belong to the Pub Watch scheme. The pub attracted customers barred from other licensed premises, resulting in regular visits from the police.

Inspector Graham Sutherland of Abingdon police said: "With its closure a small piece of Abingdon will disappear.

"Unfortunately, it appealed to the wrong type of customer."