A pub has opened for the last time as the landlord prepares to close a historical landmark at the heart of the Slough community.

The Herschel Arms is set to serve its last beer tonight, as landlord Tom King, 72, waves goodbye to the business he has run since 1995.

It follows an inability to agree rent on the pub situated on Park Street.

The Herschel Arms has been a regular to many and has held weekly music nights for decades.

Photographs on the walls and ceilings show both Tom's love for the pub and people, along with the memories of hundreds of people who have walked through the pub's doors.

On August 5 Tom broke the difficult news on Facebook that his pub would be closing and he would be handing the keys back on Thursday, August 31.

Speaking to the Observer, Tom said: "It's nobody's fault really."

However, he added that the closure has left him feeling "overwhelmed" and "let down".

Recounting his time in the Herschel, Tom said: “Great days, great times, great music, late nights, early mornings – 27 years and eight months.

“The Herschel Arms has had a good impact on the community, we’ve had a good run."

READ MORE: Slough landlord prepares to say goodbye to The Herschel Arms

Tom has seen many families grow as well as lose loved ones, who are commemorated in a mural painted by Tom and an artist during the pandemic.

He added that what will happen to the mural is his “greatest anxiety” when considering the closure.

Situated on Park Street, the Herschel Arms has been open as a pub since 1860.

“I’m worried about it [Herschel Arms] being wrecked – we have so many memories in there. Not just mine – predominantly customers," Tom added.

Currently, the building is protected under the Slough Borough Council Community Asset list and it is locally listed within the Local Development Plan.

This means any changes to the property must be run past Slough Borough Council.

READ MORE: What next for the Herschel Arms as pub set for closure

On the news of the pub's closure, Sue Pendergast said: "Had some wonderful, memorable times here, great atmosphere and friendly people, so sad it’s closing.

"Good luck Tom you’ll be greatly missed. Take care and enjoy your new adventure."

Caz Burton added: "So sad, such a lovely pub, and made to feel so welcome on my visit there with family."

Douglas Hunter-Brown also thanks Tom for his "great" hospitality over the years.

"I have never been a regular, but on the many times I have visited the Herschel Arms I have been given a warm welcome, God bless you Tom," Douglas added.

It is unknown what will now happen to The Herschel Arms.

Resident Alan Newham wants to see The Herschel Arms turned into a museum, with wishes for a preservation order to be placed on the property.

James Howard added: "It would be nice if the local council could actually step in and protect something in this town.

"So much has been lost in the last ten to twenty years, and you can never get it back."

Others have asked if it is possible to gather a community group to save the pub by taking it over.