The picturesque watering hole near Lake Hume was purchased in February 2020 by Border football identity Gary Paxton and his partner Bridget Bowe, who restored and opened the venue in September that year.

But after five lockdowns in that period, Ms Bowe said they're "mentally and financially exhausted" and made the gut-wrenching decision to close down on Wednesday.

"It's not just the financial part of it, so many people are finding it's the emotional side as well and stability for our staff to make sure they're looked after," she said.

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"We were forever feeling like we were on edge and waiting for the next time we were going to have to shut down.

"We're only open on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday and only have two staff to help in the kitchen, but that took us nearly six months because it was so hard to get staff.

"It was getting to the point, they've got families and mortgages, where we thought this can't go on for them. They need to be able to go and find more secure and permanent work.

"Without them we don't have a business, so unfortunately we had to make that really difficult decision.

"We've done really well to get through winter and have been so well supported, but it's a really sad day."

The pair run an accommodation business alongside the pub, HG Farmstay, which they will continue with in the short term and until they're able to sell.

"It's been a little bit overwhelming with everyone's responses and messages of support," Ms Bowe said.

"It's just heartbreaking we can't keep cracking on."

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