A STRUGGLING pub is set to reopen its doors today, following a closure of several weeks.

The Phoenix, in George Street, York, has been closed for business since mid-December.

But now owners Marston's Pub Company has said the bar was throwing its doors open to the public again this afternoon.

Derek Gleadall, the area manager for the firm, said a caretaker landlord would be overseeing the pub, while the search continued for a permanent tenant.

He said former landlord Phil Grayshon had left due to "personal reasons", but refused to go into details.

The Phoenix has been managed by three different landlords in the past 18 months.

It reopened only last March under Mr Grayshon's stewardship. Mr Grayshon was at the helm for nine months.

His predecessor, Peter Hine, lasted only four months, between July and November 2006. He filed for bankruptcy after closing the pub, claiming he was losing £550 a week.

Tragically, Mr Hine was found dead in a car at a Northumberland beauty spot, at Ulghamford, near Widdrington, in February 2007.

The name of the latest landlord has not been disclosed.

Speaking about the latest closure, Helen Balawajder, editor of the Ouse Boozer, the newsletter of the York branch of CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale), said: "I think it's a great shame. It's a very nice pub.

"A couple of years ago, we did a historic pubs guide and we featured The Phoenix because it's got a very nice interior. The pub company did a refurbishment there recently. In its location, it ought to be a really good community boozer."

She said stiff competition around the Walmgate and Fishergate area, including The Seahorse Hotel and the Edinburgh Arms, both in Fawcett Street, The Brown Cow, in Hope Street, and the Spread Eagle, in Walmgate.

She said: "There's a lot of competition down there now, with other pubs significantly cheaper than The Phoenix."

Anyone interested in taking over the tenancy at The Phoenix on a permanent basis should phone Marston's Pub Company on 0870 1219254.