OXFORD drinkers could be forgiven for having a sense of deja vu when they walk down George Street soon.

One of the city’s busiest bars is going back to the future as Copa of Oxford looks to change its name back to the Wig and Pen.

The bar, which is owned by Greene King, was known as the Wig and Pen until about 2003.

Before that it was a store operated by Belfast Linen, becoming a pub in 1996.

Matt Bullock, chairman of Oxford Campaign for Real Ale, said: “They changed the name when they turned it into a continental beer bar. It would be nice if it became a more traditional pub. The only other one on George Street is The Grapes.

“Copa was just a made-up name to make it sound continental I suppose. Quite a few people around Oxford know it as the Wig and Pen though.” Greene King has submitted a planning application to Oxford City Council for permission to install new signs at the pub.

If successful a new green and gold sign will be placed over the bar’s entrance and a double-sided sign would also be put up along with new menu holders.

A Greene King spokesman said: “We are awaiting the decision of the planning committee before deciding any next steps, at this stage we’re just applying to change the name.”

A date for a planning decision has not yet been set.