A popular pub and hotel in Newquay closed down on Sunday after more than 90 years in business.

OYO Godolphin Arms Hotel in Henver Road has shut after landlady Margaret Ashwood decided to sell the building following her retirement.

The 84-year-old, who is better known as ‘Muff’, has pulled the final pint after running the pub and hotel for the past 41 years. She held a party on Saturday to say farewell to past and present staff and customers who have frequented the establishment over the years.

OYO Godolphin Arms Hotel is earmarked to become a care home specialising in mental health after a change of use planning application was submitted.

Muff said: “It is heartbreaking to be closing down.

“But I’m going to retire as I’m 84 and becoming a bit doddery. I’m going to have to take up golf or gymnastics. I just wish I could have carried on for longer.

“We have had a lot of lovely people here over the years. I’m going to miss all the people. That will be the strange thing.

“I’ve also had some wonderful staff, some of which have worked here for more than 25 years.

“We have been hanging on for months hoping that someone will take it on as a pub and hotel, but it looks like it is going to become a care home.”

Muff has enjoyed several highlights over the years including an appearance on the Hotel Inspector television series 10 years ago where presenter Alex Polizzi gave advice to help boost business.

Muff said: “We still get telephone calls from people asking if we are still operating following the television appearance.

“There have been so many highlights. We’ve had wonderful football and rugby teams as well as stag parties. The football teams have given me so much joy.

“It is great to see the children and grandchildren of the players come back over the years.

“I have hundreds of stories I could tell but many I could not possibly say but one time we had to throw out the Metropolitan Police Rugby team because they were misbehaving.”

Customers have been expressing their disappointment at the news the OYO Godophin Arms Hotel is closing and have wished Muff the best for the future.

Hannah Wayman said: “It is an end of an era but they were the most cracking times. Happy retirement.”

Paula Marcelis said: “We wish Muff all the very best for her retirement. She deserves a rest. Thank you for being fabulous.”

Chris Evans added: “Muff is a true legend who managed to keep the football team going through the bad times as well as the good. Those early days were the best time ever.”