Residents were left shocked as Big Smoke Pub Co. Limited announces it has filed for administration and appointed an insolvency practitioner. 

The Esher-based company owns The Albion in Kingston and The Antelope in Surbiton. Both pubs will remain open and continue under the existing management without disruption.

In a statement from the company: "The Big Smoke Pub Co has been acquired following a marketing process that ensures the continued trading of its pubs and the retention of all staff.

Pubs under the Big Smoke company will not close but continue to trade under a new entity,

Administrators Glyn Mummery and Julie Humphrey of FRP Advisory were appointed on 6 July. 

The business and assets have been sold. All 108 staff have been transferred to the new entity and the trade of all nine pubs across London and the South East will continue. 

FRP Advisory has been contacted for comment.