ONE of Oxford's oldest pubs has reopened and its historic look has been restored.

Customers flocked back to the Grapes on George Street on Friday night, three weeks after it closed for renovations.

The pub dates back to the 1820s and is the oldest on the street.

It briefly changed its name to Beerd in 2015 and was given a modern refit.

Now owned by the City Pub Company, the old name and vintage interiors are back.

General Manager Mark Bruce has been brought in from London to run the operation.

He said: "We're trying to bring back the traditional feel that people will be more familiar with.

"It has modern touches but is very much modelled on a traditional pub. Parts of it even feel like a living room.

"We have a whole new friendly staff team and our ethos is to know all the regulars by name.

"Hopefully it will now be more accessible to families and tourists."

The pub faced an uncertain future last year when former owners Bath Ales was bought by St Austell Brewery who then reviewed their entire portfolio.

The new owners, City Pub Company, own 30 pubs across London and the South East including the George Street Social and St Aldates Tavern in Oxford.

Mr Bruce said that the changes have already had a good reception amongst old and new customers.

He said: "I think the city has been quite quiet overall for the bank holiday but we've done pretty well.

"Everyone seems to love it. It's a bit more comfortable now. It's the sort of place where you can come in for a quick lunch or stay for a few pints.