POPULAR Oxford pub Big Society has been enthusiastically welcomed back by customers after more than three months away.

Big Society, which has out-lasted the prime ministership of David Cameron who popularised the term, was opened seven years ago by Matthew Davies and Tim Fitzgibbon, who also run Raoul’s Cocktail Bar, in Jericho, and the Victoria, in Walton Street.

Review: Laser-safe dining at Oxford's best Indian

General manager Jacob Fitzbright used to live opposite the Cowley Road pub and was a fan of the business before he started working there.

The 28-year-old said: “It was my favourite pub and one day I went in and asked if there were any jobs. That was 2014, and six years later I’m still here.”

Oxford Mail:

Staff wearing masks behind the bar

Mr Fitzgibbon previously told this paper the idea behind the pub was to replicate an East London trend for relaxed ‘hang out’ spaces that could be altered to suit the event.

Mr Fitzbright said: "The idea is it’s a place you can come for a coffee and to do some work, have lunch and also where you can have a beer or cocktail with friends.”

Oxford Mail:

He added the core demographic was young professionals, aged 25 to 40, though the business also had older and student regulars.

The building, on the corner of Cowley Road and Jeune Street, was home to the Elm Tree pub for around 100 years and, prior to becoming Big Society, housed Lan Kwai Fong restaurant.

Oxford Mail:

Socially-distanced tables

It was a long lockdown for fans of the pub, which unlike others did not switch to delivering food. Mr Fitzbright explained this was because the business needed to take full advantage of the government’s job retention scheme, which covered 80 per cent of wages for staff placed on furlough.

ALSO READ: Landlords of city pubs finding new ways to attract punters

But as soon as pubs were allowed to reopen on July 4, Big Society had its doors open. He said: “We now have basically everyone back, the same team as before."

He added: “I think what sets us apart is we are an independent pub that cares about Cowley Road. The staff live, work and socialise here and we have a turnover rate that’s slower than most pubs."

Oxford Mail:

Big Society beer garden

No effort has been spared to protect customers, with face masks for staff, the strict use of the track and trace system, as well as an app so people order and pay for food and drink without having to go to the bar.

Mr Fitzbright said: “We’re doing everything we can to keep people safe.”

ALSO READ:Zero-waste community fridge celebrates first birthday

Though the pub has been slowly building up its menu of American-style burgers, barbecue wings, and fried chicken since reopening, Mr Fitzbright said real ale was not yet available, saying: “We want to make sure if we’re doing it, the real ale’s as good as it can be.”

Oxford Mail:

There are still 28 different craft beers to choose from though, as well as two craft ales on draught – Freedom Four larger and a Powderkeg IPA. Mr Fitzbright said it was hard to plan as there could be a second lockdown, or the government could ease measures more but added: "We’re ready to adapt to whatever happens.”

Big Society is currently open Wednesday through Sunday, 2pm until 10pm on weekdays with an earlier opening of 12pm on weekends. The pub closes at 8pm on Sunday.

Visit bigsocietyoxford.com.