The lease on a popular Greenwich pub and Clarence Hall, which has stood vacant for six years, have been handed back to the charity which owns them.

Estate owner Greenwich Hospital has agreed terms with current operator Hardy Inc to buy back the lease of The Admiral Hardy pub and Clarence Hall, Greenwich.

Greenwich Hospital is a charity supporting serving and retired members of the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines. They own a large part of the town centre in Greenwich.

They are now looking for a new operator for both the Admiral Hardy and the vacant Clarence Hall.

Gillie Bexson, property director Greenwich Hospital, said: "The Admiral Hardy and Clarence Hall, both part of Joseph Kay's Greenwich Hospital project, are the main gateway to Greenwich Market from College Approach.

"This is a very exciting opportunity for Greenwich Hospital and we will be working closely with our advisers and the Greenwich community to secure a new operator and look forward to bringing Clarence Hall back to life.”

Frank Dowling, of Hardy Inc, added: "After 18 years in stewardship of the Admiral Hardy, we felt it was a good time to hand over the baton.

"We will be focusing our efforts on The Trafalgar Tavern on Crane Street and our ambitions to create a new hotel at the Trident Hall site next door."