ONE of Oxford’s oldest city centre pubs has been taken over by a new company.

West Berkshire Brewery has bought the lease of the George Street hostelry from The City Pub Company.

The pub is currently closed for refurbishment and is expected to open again by the middle of next month.

The changes to the interior are not expected to be too radical as the pub’s vintage look was restored in 2017.

Oxford Mail:

The pub, popular with theatre goers, dates back to the 1820s, and West Berkshire Brewery has promised a ‘sympathetic refurb’.

READ AGAIN: The Grapes is back in George Street after major refurb

The company said: “We are extremely pleased to announce that we have taken on The Grapes pub in Oxford’s George Street.

“WBB plans to open in April after a sympathetic refurb to this beautiful historic building which has been serving the community for about 200 years.

“Seven hand pulls and 12 keg taps plus a wide selection of bottles and cans from the local area and beyond will remain the focus of The Grapes, with simple, seasonal food to compliment the real ale and craft beer on offer.

“The aim is to continue the WBB theme of creating a hub for the community by welcoming people in for a conversation and a quality pint of beer.”

READ AGAIN: Pint Shop in Oxford announces sudden closure

It is understood that WWB has taken over the lease but not the freehold of the premises.

Oxford Mail:

The Grapes changed its name to Beerd in 2015 and was given a more modern look but The City Pub Company revived a more traditional interior.

The pub faced an uncertain future in 2016 when former owners Bath Ales was bought by St Austell Brewery, which then reviewed its entire portfolio.

READ MORE: Oxford's Eurobar launched as Oxo with cocktails and gin

Pint Shop in George Street closed unexpectedly last month and WBB is hoping it can attract some of its former customers.

Oxford Mail:

WBB, a microbrewery, launched in 1995 and is based in Yattendon near Newbury.

It also runs pubs in London including The Old Suffolk Punch in Hammersmith and The Oxford Tavern in Kentish Town.

READ AGAIN: Gang admits stabbing man in Oxford park

One of its most popular ales is the best bitter called Good Old Boy.

The WBB website said: “We champion traditional brewing techniques and showcase the finest UK hops to produce high-quality, distinctive and award-winning real ales and craft beers.”

Oxford Mail:

Company spokeswoman Clare Candy said a number of pubs in Oxford already served WBB beers and added that The Grapes was a ‘good fit’ with the brewery.

In November football-themed Eurobar in George Street was relaunched by pub manager Xhetan Bushi as the OXO Bar.

The widescreen TVs were removed in a £100,000 makeover with plush seating and a new emphasis on gin and cocktails.