The last pub left in Stanmore will close its doors at the end of the month.

The Man In The Moon, in Buckingham Parade, will shut on February 28 and it is understood a Nando’s will open on the site.

Bosses from Wetherspoons, who own the pub, say the decision to leave is a "commercial one".

But disappointed regulars say the sale has been kept under wraps and they have not been left with enough time to do anything about it.

Charles Smith, 52, of Stanmore, said the popular pub is a central meeting point in Stanmore.

He said: “They kept it under wraps until a couple of days ago.

"Stanmore will be the only village or town I know of without a pub.

“The nearest pubs will be in Edgware, Watford or Wealdstone now - it’s quite a journey.

“It will have a big effect on the town, on takeaways and shops, everything is going to suffer - where are the youngsters supposed to go now?

“And the older women and men who meet at the pub?

“The other pubs closed in Stanmore because Wetherspoon under priced them, and now they’re leaving.

“It’s a big loss, it’s a central meeting place for people in Stanmore.”

Another punter, Alan McDonald, said: “I was shocked to discover at the weekend that Wetherspoon is to shut The Man In The Moon pub in Stanmore.

“I know they put a number of pubs up for sale last year, including The William Jolle in Northwood Hills, whose regulars organised a petition.

“As far as I know the Stanmore pub was not on the hit list and customers have been taken by surprise.

“It’s probably too short notice to organise a protest or petition.

“It is the last surviving ‘real’ pub in the Stanmore area as others have already been turned into restaurants.”

Roy Tunstall, chairman of West Middlesex Campaign for Real Ale, said: “It’s extremely disappointing, this is the last pub in Stanmore.

"It’s a big community resource. We are going to try and get it listed as an Asset of Community Value, but we found out about it quite late and there’s not much time left to do anything.

“This has come right out of the blue.”

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “We can confirm that The Man in the Moon in Stanmore is closing.

“The last day of trading will be February 28.

“As we understand it Nandos will be moving into the site.

“We understand that the pub’s loyal customers will be disappointed with the decision and we thank them for their custom over the years.

“This is a commercial decision by the company to close the pub.

“All of the pub’s staff will be re-employed at other Wetherspoon pubs.

“The deal had to be completed with the pub’s landlord very quickly and that is the reason for the short notice given about its closure.”

Nando's was approached for comment, but did not respond.