A POPULAR Southampton pub, often used by Isle of Wight Saints fans heading to and from St Mary's Stadium, has announced it will close.

The Admiral Sir Lucius Curtis on Canute's Pavilion has been listed for sale.

It is one of 32 sites owned by JD Wetherspoon up and down the country that are set to close down.

Both Isle of Wight pubs, Newport's Man in the Moon and Ryde's S Fowler Co, have escaped the list and will remain open.

Isle of Wight County Press: Route to pub from Red Jet and route from pub to St Mary's StadiumRoute to pub from Red Jet and route from pub to St Mary's Stadium (Image: Google Maps)

The pub giant, which operates 800 sites across the UK, said the sale is a "commercial decision". 

Some punters in Southampton called The Admiral Sir Lucius Curtis 'the best Spoons in town'.

A spokesperson said: "This is a commercial decision. We understand that customers and staff will be disappointed with it.

"The pubs will continue to operate as Wetherspoon outlets until they are sold."