Former regulars of one Bicester pub have launched a campaign on the Internet site Facebook in a bid to get their local — affectionately known as The Office — reopened.

The Swan, in Church Street, closed on January 25 after the landlord suddenly moved to Cyprus.

The campaign, called Save the Swan Pub, has gathered 221 supporters so far.

Di Barrett posted: “We can’t let it stay shut — where are we meant to go?”

Chirsteen Carey said: “It’s the only place in Bicester that you can go and not be surrounded by teenagers.”

Shirley Jones said: “It’s my favourite bar in Bicester. I’m gutted.”

Don Bridgeman, the chief executive of Brakspear, which owns the pub, said he could reassure the regulars that it would reopen as soon as possible.

He said: “We’re recruiting to get a new licensee or tenant for the pub and as soon as we get the right person we will reopen.

“There’s no question of it closing.”

In 2003, the pub was given a £200,000 facelift by new licensee Ian Henderson and quickly became a popular nightspot and place to eat.

Meanwhile, the Old Chapel bar and restaurant, in Chapel Street, is under offer and could be sold by the end of April.

The former snooker club, which was refitted at a cost of £150,000 in 2007, went out of business last year.

The freehold, fixtures and fittings are up for sale, with a price tag of £600,000.