AWARD-WINNING landlord Matthew Marren is swapping his pub in Oxford for a new home on the Cornish coast.

Last year, the Old Bookbinders Arms, in Canal Street, Jericho, was named the Oxford Campaign for Real Ale branch’s pub of the year.

The Greene King-owned pub has been run for the past three years by Mr Marren and his partner Maureen Whelan.

Twice a year, the couple have run a Firkin Festival, to introduce drinkers to real ales from all over the country.

The first was held in October 2006, and the final one will start tomorrow and run until Sunday.

Mr Marren, 37, said: “The Firkin festivals have been very well attended and we always try to bring in some locally-brewed real ales.

“It’s sad that this will be our last festival but you have to move on when the time is right.

“Maureen and I are looking for a suitable free house in Cornwall, because we love the coastline down there.

“This pub is tied to Greene King and we want to get our own place, so that’s why we’re going.

“I know the real ale fans will be sorry to see us go, because we have been in the Good Beer Guide for the past three years, but you have to go when the time is right.

“My brother lives in Cornwall and we go on holiday down there quite a lot, so we’re really hoping to get the right pub.”

Mr Marren said the brewery was agreeing terms with a new landlord, and he expected to leave the Old Bookbinders some time next month.

Last year was the first time that the Old Bookbinders won the Oxford Camra award, which has been running since the early 1980s.

Tony Goulding, a spokesman for the Camra branch, said: “It’s a shame to see Matthew and Maureen go. They want to run their own pub without being tied to a brewery and that’s something we’re seeing more of.

“Camra wishes them all the best for the future. When we find out their last day, we will visit the pub to give them a good send-off.

“It’s a lovely pub, which caters for all different sections of the community.”