The bar closed unexpectedly at the start of this month with the only warning a printed sign saying it would be open again within a week.

But almost a fortnight after The Emporium closed there is still no sign of it re-opening and management have been unable to explain why the doors are locked.

The pub in Victoria Road, Hartlepool, shut suddenly citing "unforeseen circumstances".

Managers placed a notice in the front door telling customers it would reopen on Monday, July 14. The notice read: "Due to unforeseen circumstances The Emporium will be closed for one week. We apologise for the inconvenience and look forward to seeing you next Monday."

That would have been July 14 but the notice is still in the window and the bar remains in darkness with no clue as to when it will open again.

The Emporium is a popular watering hole among drinkers in Hartlepool both during the day and in the evening.

It recently started opening from 9am.

The Emporium is owned by Jomast Developments, in Stockton, and operated by Wesley Leisure. A Jomast spokesman said: "We have no knowledge of any change of circumstances, we are just the landlords.

"The operations side is kept independent and we generally don't have much involvement with the people inside."

Wesley Leisure was unavailable for comment about the situation despite repeated attempts.

Over the two days the Mail tried to contact Wesley Leisure management, it was told the person who could comment was in meetings.

Finally it was stated he would not be available for a fortnight although "there might be someone available" on Monday.