Pub reopens with new image (From Oxford Mail)

Pub reopens with new image

2:33pm Monday 2nd February 2009 in

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A pub identified by real ale enthusiasts as at risk of closure if it did not start attracting customers has reopened under a new name.

The Eagle, in Magdalen Road, East Oxford, was one of 12 pubs which the city’s branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) had warned could close for good if people did not start supporting it.

The pub shut for a £50,000 refit last month and reopened last week as the Rusty Bicycle, in the hands of new landlords Alex Arkell and Chris Manners.

Mr Arkell, 23, who is the youngest son of the Swindon -based Arkell Brewery’s chairman James Arkell, said: “I think the problem was the pub just hadn’t been changed and it needed a clean-up.

“The whole industry is struggling a little bit and it’s nerve-racking, but I think it’s only pubs that are standing still that people don’t bother going to any more.”

The interior has been repainted and an original wooden floor and fireplace restored.

Mr Arkell said: “We changed the name because we wanted a completely new start.

“All the people who lived in the area tended to avoid it and had we not changed the name, I think they might have continued avoiding it.”

Most of the pubs identified by Camra last December as being in danger of closing asked not to be named as they feared it could affect trade.

The Jolly Postboys, in Florence Park Road, Cowley; the Ampleforth Arms, in Risinghurst; and the Chester Arms, in Chester Street, East Oxford were among those identified as traditional local pubs which needed support.

Tony Goulding, pubs officer for the Oxford branch of Camra, said the true impact of the traditionally quiet month of January would not be seen until Easter.

Mr Goulding said: “We lost the General Elliott in South Hinksey and the Blue Mile in Littlemore over Christmas, but I think we will have to wait a while to see what else happens.

“Our plea is for people to find a local pub and use it once a month for family get-togethers and work meetings. Otherwise, we could see seven or eight pubs closing.”

Jacquie Guard, landlady of the Jolly Postboys, said her pub had made a promising start to the year.

She said: “As long as you’re proactive with pubs I think they work, but you have to put a bit more effort in these days than just opening your doors.

“Coming through January we thought it would be very quiet, but it’s been okay. We’re pleased with how it’s gone so far.”

Matthew Rhodes, who has been landlord of the Chester Arms since the beginning of December, said: “We’ve got to try and keep our heads above water until the summer comes and people will come for the beer garden, and then may be make a bit of money then.”

fbardsley@oxfordmail.co.uk