A historic pub is once again closed after its landlord of 18 months has walked away. 

Sanjay Dogra took over The Harrow on Wanborough High Street in April 2022, reopening it after it had been dormant following the departure of the previous landlords in 2021.

But his last day in charge of the boozer was New Year's Day. 

The prominent local businessman says that he is not moving onto anything, but despite plans to stay for at least five years, he was unable to keep the pub open any longer. 

"For the last 18 months I've put my blood, sweat and tears into The Harrow, working 17-18 hour days, but I have had to close the doors," he said. 

Sanjay was a vocal campaigner against the impact of the Wanborough Road closure to the businesses in the village - including many pubs as well as his own.

Swindon Advertiser: The Harrow Inn prior to Sanjay Dogra taking it overThe Harrow Inn prior to Sanjay Dogra taking it over But while he admitted that this did play a part in his departure, there was another contributing factor. 

"A rumour started going around that I was leaving and after that, I lost a lot of the business I had worked hard to build. 

"The road closure did play a little part, but the customers had started coming in after that and I was finding my feet but then this happened.

"I haven't got it in me to build it up again," he added. 

During his time at the Harrow, Sanjay had become part of the community and many have wished him luck for whatever he does next after learning of his departure. 

The pub's New Year's event also doubled up as his leaving party which Sanjay described as being 'very sad'. 

"It is sad to say goodbye to everyone. The Wanborough locals really helped me out and accepted me into the village. I am sad to say that I’m leaving this place."

The Harrow Inn has been a fixture in Wanborough since 1714 but in recent years has seen a string of landlords come and go with several periods of closure.

It is one of five pubs that remain in the village alongside The Plough Inn, The Brewers Arms and the New Calley Arms, as well as the currently closed Cross Keys - which is being taken over and reopened soon.