An iconic Berkshire pub has announced that it will be closing after 159 years of serving the local community in Slough.

Located on Park Street, The Herschel Arms is a popular Irish eatery and public house that was first opened in the 1860s.

Current land lord, Tom King, posted an emotional announcement on his Facebook announcing the sad news of the closure.

He said: “I’ve been putting this off for over a week now but here goes. Thursday the 31st of August will be my last day in the Herschel. It will close first time since 1860, and 27 years and 6 months for me.

“It’s a common reason these days unfortunately an inability to agree on rent. Nobody’s fault really but a sad day.

“Sessions every Monday for 21 years, singing sessions every Thursday for eighteen years, poetry nights for 6 years, but that’s it.”

For the last 6 years, The Herschel Arms has offered singers, poets, comedians, and musicians a space to perform in a weekly open mic event called the ‘Innerverse’.

In a post on the Herschell Arms Facebook page, Pete Cox posted on Tom’s behalf announcing the end of the open mic nights.

He said: “It is with great reluctance that I find myself writing this on Tom King's behalf. The Herschel Arms is closing, and This will be the final Innerverse. 

“Over the past 6 years, Tom and his staff have given us a home and platform for poets, writers, singers, rappers, and comedians. A real dynamic force for self-expression and open supportive vulnerability in the centre of Slough. 

“To list the amount of performers and attendees would require a book in itself. Forever grateful and lots of love to the Herschel Arms, Tom, Bernadette, and all staff.

“For 6 years we've also had sound man Steve Courtney providing top quality auricular and visual experiences. Forever grateful for your love and support brother.

“With all this being said, it is the end of an era and I hold huge gratitude and warmth for my own personal development that has been crafted and homed here.”

According to locals, The Herschel Arms is named after the Herschel family who lived in Slough for many years in the 16th and 17th centuries, most noticeably Sir William Herschel who was the private Astronomer to George III who died in the early 1800s.

It has been recorded as a pub in local records since 1864.