A pub that dates back to the 1500s near High Wycombe will NOT permanently close following several rumours.

At the beginning of July, speculation began to start on social media that the Crown Inn in Penn would shut its doors for the final time on Sunday, July 14.

Many regulars and customers took to the internet to share their sadness and shock at the news, but many were left in the dark about whether it was a temporary or permanent measure.

An email sent to its guests read: “The Crown Inn is closing its doors on July 14.

“What happens next?

“Be sure to join us one last time to say farewell. If you’ve booked a table after July 13, we will get in touch and take care of things for you.

“More great pubs near you.

“Whilst it’s goodbye from us, did you know you can still enjoy your favourite dishes and seasonal specials at our sister pubs; The White Hart, Chalfont St Giles or The Boot & Slipper, Amersham, proudly part of the Chef & Brewer Collection.”

However, the Free Press can confirm that whilst the Church Road venue, which is run by Greene King venue will shut next week, it plans to reopen in roughly three months.

Plans have been agreed to give the pub a huge renovation, which is alleged to have cost around £3m.

The revamp will see the boozer undergo extensive changes to its interior and garden, with the name of the pub remaining the same.

A member of staff told the Free Press: “We’re not closing permanently; we are closing for a revamp.

“It’ll be a big refit and we plan to reopen in the middle of October if everything goes to plan.

“Also, we won’t be a Chef & Brewer anymore as we’ll be a Crafted pub under the same company which is Greene King.”

On the rumours, they added: “I don’t know where they came from.

“This is one of the problems with social media because rumours and Chinese Whispers start to spread.

“We’ve had people within the last year to year-and-a-half come in saying that they had heard we were closing and it’s not true.

“Someone will hear something and it’ll get distorted in some way, but the refit has been a long-term plan that’s been in the works for some time.

“I don’t know where the rumours have come from.

“Yes, we’re shutting, and yes, it’ll be under a different brand (Crafted), but the building is staying as it’s a refit.”