STAFF have vowed to relaunch a popular Oxford milkshake bar, just days after it went into administration.

Shakeaway managers told workers in Oxford that the store was closing on Monday, with immediate effect, after “testing retail times”.

But manager Amee Thomas, front, pictured with five of her six members of staff, from left, Hattie Partington, Victoria Schemnun, Liam Stockford, James Thomas and Adam Harvey, are in talks to reopen the shop in the Golden Cross arcade, near the Covered Market.

Ms Thomas, 26, from Sunningwell, said: “We were shocked when the adminstrators walked in and told us we were closing. Business in Oxford was good but unfortunately the company was struggling nationwide and decided we were one of the restaurants which would go. But almost immediately we were all determined to reopen it.

“We’re a close-knit team and know how successful the store can be.”

The Oxford store opened in August 2006.

Ms Thomas is talking to banks and the administrator. She is also trying to negotiate a rent with the building’s owner and said she may need to find some private investment to fund the business.

Ms Thomas said: “The new store will sell similar milkshakes.

“But we also want to have things like a pinball machine, jukebox and nice seating areas and make it a place for people to come in and chill out.

“We know we have the customer base to make it a success. We just want to open as soon as possible.”

No-one from Shakeaway was available for comment yesterday.

A message on the firm’s website said: “Sadly, due to high rents, we are unable to continue trading in a number of stores, including Oxford.”