A pub says it will be shutting down after “significant losses” in the last few years.

Rumours first circulated that the Royal Oak pub in High Street, Harlesden, would be closing after Le Junction Open Mic Night’s Facebook page announced it was holding its last event at the watering hole on October 31.

In a new post released today (November 2), the pub’s operator has confirmed that its last day will be on Sunday (November 5).

Nick Pring, the director of Urban Pubs & Bars, said: “It is terribly sad not just for us and the staff that work here, but also for the community of Harlesden.

“The business has been incurring significant losses for the past couple of years which we, as a company, have ridden out in the hope that we could turn a corner – however, recent cost price inflation and a 200% increase in the cost of utilities have made the business untenable.”

He added: “I, like many of you, have enjoyed many celebrations and good times in this wonderful pub, which makes this decision all the more personal and all the more painful.

“We will be returning the keys to the landlord and they will make a decision on the best way forward for The Royal Oak, but we very much hope it will continue to operate, serving the local community a good pint as it has done for many, many years previously.”

Any bookings accepted for Christmas will still take place and staff have reportedly been offered employment in other venues.

This is not the first time that the Royal Oak has had to close its doors, as it closed down in 2017, 11 months after a £500,000 makeover. It reopened months later under new management.