Eighty four people donated a total of £21,000 to help launch a cocktail bar at The Wheatsheaf in High Wycombe High Street, with the promise of rewards in return for their support. 

But the bar has been closed, with a notice appearing on the door to say the lease has been forfeited "for non-payment of rent". 

The Grade-II listed building is around 700 years old and is the second oldest building in the town behind All Saints Church. 

The Buckinghamshire Historic Buildings Trust (BHBT) painstakingly restored the timber-framed building, bringing it back to life after years of being partially empty and neglected, and then rented it out so it could be turned into a cocktail bar. 

There was huge excitement about the bar, with hopes it could help revive the high street - but it never really seemed to get off the ground. 

The signs that have appeared in the window of The Wheatsheaf. Photos courtesy of Nicolas Blaza

There was supposed to be a New York-style neighbourhood bar and restaurant on the bottom floor with another bar, hidden in the walls, on the second floor offering an exclusive cocktail list.

The top two floors were to be used for movie nights, charity galas and private events with cocktail classes, live music, and even brunch events.

A Kickstarter page was launched urging people to donate cash to help get the bar off the ground. 

In return for cash, those who donated would be given rewards, ranging from tickets to cocktail classes, tickets to the opening party, dinner for two and private dining, to even having a cocktail named after those who donated more than £1,000.

A total of £21,140 was pledged by 84 kind-hearted people, but it is not clear if all - or any - of the 'rewards' were handed out before they closed. 

It has left backers wondering what is going on. 

One person, named Jonathan, wrote on the page: "I am hearing rumours the Wheatsheaf has shut without giving out the rewards. Is this true?!"

Others have also been talking about the situation on social media. 

According to a notice on the front of the bar, BHBT has given the team behind the cocktail bar 14 days from July 18 to collect the furniture items that have been left inside the building or they will be sold or disposed of. 

We have approached both BHBT and the main contact from the team behind the cocktail bar who started the kickstarter and will update when we get more information. 

Did you donate cash, or have you been affected by the closure? Email stephanie.wareham@newsquest.co.uk or leave a message below.