A PUB that hosts one of Newport's premier music venues is up for sale.

Le Pub, in the city's Caxton Place, has built a reputation as a hub for independent music over its 24-year history, hosting artists from Newport and much further afield.

Now the owners are selling up, though they have stressed that the business is not closing down, but is being sold as a going concern.

"Le Pub as a business will not move from the building it is in now, but whether or not it remains as a music venue will be up to the new owners," said Jeanette Lawrenson, one of the owners.

Those who run Le Pub may decide to try to buy it - but a statement on the Le Pub Facebook page suggests that setting up a new venue in a different location in the city is under consideration.

The Facebook statement adds that a co-operative is being set up to secure the music venue's future, and to “begin chapter two”.

It adds: ”Le Pub is an ethos, a mindset, something that doesn't rely on a building to exist.

“We love our current location and the news it was to be sold was heartbreaking but we've had time to process it and we realised that we can take what we have and grow.”

Plans are outlined for developing a bigger space with more room for creative projects, a gallery, rehearsal rooms, office space and a small cinema space.

More flexible opening hours - during the day, and in the evenings seven days a week - is also an aim, while making the venture more accessible to people with mobility requirements.

Reacting to the news on Facebook, Newport bar-owner and promoter, Iftekhar Harris, said he was “saddened” to hear about the sale and looked forward to the venue’s future plans.

“Le Pub has always remained a strong independent spirit in the city even as the larger chains have abandoned us," he said.

“With the news of this new venture for the team, I encourage anyone to take a look, inquire about their proposals and continue to support another fantastic independent trader within the city.  “As always (I) invite them to have a discussion on what we can do to help them, whether as NPCLUBS or as another trader looking to support the future for all of us in Newport.”

The Le Pub Facebook statement adds that the venue will continue at its present location until a sale is confirmed, and supporters are being urged to help with its next steps.

“This won't be easy and there will be no quick fix. Setting up a co-op takes time and any building we look at will need work before we can open.

"This could be three months, or could be twelve months. but please be assured this is not the end for us."