Music fans are mourning the loss of a popular pub used by hundreds of local and unsigned bands to hone their talents.

The Mitre Tavern, Moor Lane, Preston, which has become a well-known haunt for music lovers wanting to sample the best of upcoming talent, will see its last gig on July 30, as 22-year-old, licensee, Rob Clarke, plans to open his own music promotion company.

The pub has become the ideal place for new groups to showcase their music in front of an unrelenting crowd since Mr Clarke, also lead singer of local rock and roll/punk band, the Phlegm Fatales, took over the reins with help from family and friends in October 2003.

He said: "Loads of people say if you can't make it at The Mitre then you need to get practising.

"We've got very honest crowd who sit inches away from the bands so if you're not good enough, they'll notice.

"I hope music fans don't take it personally. I just want to concentrate on making a go of bringing bigger names into Preston and boosting the city's music scene."

Music moguls in Preston were disappointed by the news.

Dan Jeoffroy, author of Listen Up music news website, said: "This was a real grassroots music venue which really put its faith in local music. I'm really disappointed it will be going."

No offers have yet been made by any potential licensees and it will be boarded up in August.

Victoria Hill, manager of the Stone Devils, which last played at the pub on July 16, said: "There's always been so much music on there. The band made sure they gave it a good send off though on Saturday and everyone had a great time," she said.

Russ Carlton, manager of The Mill, Aqueduct Street, Preston, added: "The music scene in the city won't be the same."