11:31am Friday 4th December 2009
By Andrew Smith
Fifteen jobs have been created with the refurbishment of a historic pub in Thame.
The James Figg, formerly the Abingdon Arms in Cornmarket, has been given a £150,000 makeover by the Peach Pub Company which also owns The Thatch in the town.
Peach co-founder Hamish Stoddart said: “It’s been a major project for us and makes a great new watering hole in town.
“As well as that, Thame was in desperate need of somewhere to hold smaller functions and community events. Now, we’ve provided one with the refurbishment of the Stables in the courtyard behind the pub, which is ideal for get-togethers, meetings, community and corporate events.”
The pub is named after James Figg, England’s first undisputed champion boxer, who is said to have lived in the building during the 18th century. His portrait now hangs at the bar.
Frazer Sutherland, who runs The Thatch in Thame, will also be overseeing The James Figg, with manager Tony Lindsell behind the bar.
Mr Sutherland said: “We’ve taken a tired old building, given it some care and attention, and made it into what I call a ‘proper pub’ – a real place for real people.
“We thought James Figg was such a great local character that he deserved honouring in his home town. We think that if he came back to the pub today, it is somewhere he would enjoy holding court.”
As well as the Thame hostelries, Peach also owns The Fishes in North Hinksey and The Fleece in Witney.
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