One of television’s most famous pubs is about to call last orders.

The Woolpack pub in the original Emmerdale village of Esholt is expected to shut this weekend.

Nichola and Richard McGrath took over the 177-year-old hostelry on a ten-year-lease from Enterprise Inns four years ago but, with six more years left to run, they have decided to quit to spend more time with their two children and get new jobs working for other people rather than themselves.

It will not be the first time that villagers have been left to work up a thirst when the pubs doors have been shut suddenly.

In October 2005, drinkers and visitors were stunned when the former landlord walked out and its owners had no option but to shut it.