Offers will be made for Lamb & Flag says real ale group CAMRA

Last week it emerged that the pub in St Giles, which dates back to 1613, is being closed by the St John’s College company running it, as trade has been damaged by repeated coronavirus lockdowns.

The Lamb & Flag (Oxford) Limited is to close and cease operating on January 31.

Dave Richardson, left spokesman for the Oxford branch of CAMRA

But the college has said it will not rule out the building, which is Grade II listed, being run as a pub again.

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It will remain in the college’s ownership and options for its future will now be considered.

Dave Richardson, a spokesman for the Oxford branch of real ale organisation CAMRA, said he had already heard of an expression of interest from one businessman considering making an offer to take the pub on.

CAMRA has vowed to fight any change of use application to the city council, and the pub does have some protection as a Grade II listed building.

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Mr Richardson said: “The future looks bleak at present but St John’s has not closed the door on it reopening as a pub and we are aware that expressions of interest from experienced pub people are about to be made.

"It is understood that the pub’s annual turnover was in excess of £550,000 before 2020, but much would depend on the leasing cost and, of course, trading conditions when pubs are allowed to reopen.”

Inside the Lamb & Flag Picture: St John's College/Savills

He added: “I think there will be interest.

"The outlook is bleak for pubs at the moment because of coronavirus but there will still be entrepreneurs out there. Offers will come in – hopefully at the right price for both parties.”

The upper floors are used for student accommodation and CAMRA's efforts to save the pub are likely to be backed by students.

The Lamb & Flag

Emmet O’Leary, president of St John’s Junior Common Room (JCR), said: "The Lamb and Flag is a much-loved part of student life at St John's.

"Many of us looked forward to returning for a drink after the pandemic, so we are naturally disappointed at the news of its closure.

The JCR has a constructive relationship with the college and we now look forward to contributing to conversations about the future of the pub."

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The pub has featured in the Good Beer Guide every year since 2001, with consistently high beer scores, and has been named City Pub of the Year on several occasions.

Up to six real ales were usually on offer, including a house bitter from Palmers in Dorset and Theakston’s Old Peculier.