A HAMPSHIRE pub that imposed a ban on children is closing at the weekend following the landlady's decision to call time on her career.

Mop Draper, who has run the dog-friendly, gluten-free Compass Inn at Winsor for almost 30 years, has decided not to renew her lease.

Her last trading day will be on Sunday, when the popular watering hole will close "until further notice".

The 300-year-old pub made headlines around the world last summer after Ms Draper decided to ban children under the age of 12.

Announcing her decision on social media she said: "We have yet again experienced a family with no respect for other diners.

"We had complaints about the rowdy children, had to move people to a quieter area, apologise for them and the staff had to put up with the backlash this family created."

Describing the worldwide reaction to the ban she told the Daily Echo: “It was unbelievable. We went viral.

"I was getting calls from all over the world and stories on it were getting millions of views. A TV station in Perth, Australia even did a poll and 79% of people agreed with us."

Ms Draper has faced countless challenges over the years, including the recession and the smoking ban, but Covid closures and restrictions have proved the worst.

She cited the cost of introducing table service and redesigning the pub to suit Covid-related rules but added: "The lovely customers make it all worth doing."

Her decision to step down after 27 years was announced on social media.

Ms Draper said: "The Compass Inn will be closing soon till further notice. Our last trading day will be Sunday 2nd January 2022. I have sadly decided not to renew my lease. It has been an eventful 27 years."

Highlights included by a visit by former Prime Minister Ted Heath, who lived in Salisbury and often used New Forest pubs.

Last night Ms Draper said: "I'm closing as my lease is expiring and I don't want to renew it. It has nothing with going adult-only, which in fact made the pub busier."

Many people have taken to social media following her announcement.

One woman said: "A rare country pub where you are always welcome. With good, food-friendly staff and pleasant atmosphere. Whoever takes it on has some big shoes to fill."

Another customer added: "Shame they’re going but hope they have a lovely well-earned retirement.

"Have been to the Compass many times over the years. Always took our foreign friends there as an example of a proper English pub.

"Hope it stays open with another landlord and doesn’t close entirely."