A FORMER pub in Oxford is set to be transformed into a Caribbean restaurant after sitting empty for nearly six months.

National chain Turtle Bay plans to take over the building, which is currently being renovated, in Friars Entry that used to house award-winning pub Far From the Madding Crowd.

The popular inn, which had been in the city centre for 13 years, closed down in January after landlord Charles Eld said it was no longer economically viable to run.

At the beginning of this month, founder of Turtle Bay, Ajith Jaya-Wickrema, submitted an application to Oxford City Council to allow the restaurant to create an outside seating area of eight tables with chairs.

There are also plans to install a new shop front.

Mr Jaya-Wickrema said: “We’re really excited to open in Oxford and bring with us our rum, reggae and jerk. It’s a fantastic city and we’re really looking forward to opening there and bringing a little piece of the Caribbean into town.”

There are currently 17 Turtle Bay restaurants in the UK, in areas including Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham.

The closest to Oxford is in Milton Keynes and recent online reviews on TripAdvisor have called the restaurant “lively” and “fun”.

One review said: “The place was buzzing with atmosphere and the food was well cooked, well presented and tasted wonderful.”

Another reviewer said: “The food was good, but I felt the portion size was slightly on the small size for a main considering the price was quite strong.”

Oxford City councillor for the Carfax ward Ruthi Brandt said she was pleased the old Far From the Madding Crowd site was being filled.

She said: “It’s good that we don’t have any empty shops standing there for too long. I don’t think we have any Caribbean restaurants here either, so that’s a nice change.

“Far From the Madding Crowd was a good pub so I was sad when that closed down. But it will be interesting to see what the new place is like.”

Summertown resident Charlie Corson, 24, said she could not wait to try some jerk chicken and cocktails.

She said: “I didn’t realise it was coming, this excites me. I went to the one in Leamington Spa and I felt like I was in the Caribbean – cheapest holiday ever.”

Turtle Bay is currently advertising for a manager and assistant manager online.

Comments are being sought for the application, with the consultation ending on August 27, with a decision due by September 17.

Visit public.oxford.gov.uk and use application reference 15/01994/ADV