THE historic Farmers' Club in Hereford failed to sell at an auction held on its premises this afternoon, despite a packed house.

The top bid, £255,000, fell well short of the guide price of £300,000 and auctioneers and estate agents Brightwells will now listen to private offers in pursuit of the best price for the Grade II listed property.

A combined part-timber, part-stone structure, the building opened as a members club in 1926 across the road from the livestock market.

The auction heard how given changing habits, “eating and drinking in the day are no longer in fashion”, and the relocation of the market out of town, the current site is no longer best suited to be a hub for The Herefordshire Farmers’ Club.