THE Red Lion in Lower Lux Street, Liskeard's oldest licensed premises, which in the 1800s was the centre for a 'miners' club', closed down on Thursday night. Manager Steve Andrews, who has been running the pub for the present owners since 1999, says he was asked not to order any more beer the week previously, and Thursday was when he knew the barrels would run dry. 'I would like to thank all my regulars for their support over the past five years.' he said. Mr Andrews said the pub lease was offered to him a few weeks ago at a reduced rate, but the price was still too much. 'I was asked on the Monday if I had made a decision and had to say I wouldn't be able to buy the lease. I was then told to close down on Thursday and I have until January 6 to vacate the premises,' he said. 'I hope to be able to take on another pub.' It is understood The Red Lion, which has closed several times throughout its long history, having been closed for nine months before the present owners took over, is to be renovated and put back on the market as a leasehold property.