Historic Oxford pub The Mitre is set to reopen as an Italian restaurant by the end of the year.  

The pub on High Street, which has been owned by Lincoln College since the 15th century, has been vacant since it closed in 2018.

The site will now be taken over by Gusto Italian, which has promised a £1.4 million investment dedicated to the renovation of this renowned site, while bringing approximately 100 jobs to the city.

Oxford Mail: The Mitre has an historic presence in the cityThe Mitre has an historic presence in the city

Founded in Cheshire in 2005, Gusto Italian has almost 600 employees, known as family members, across 13 restaurants.

Matt Snell, Gusto Italian CEO, said: “We have wanted to secure a site in Oxford for some time and the Mitre Hotel topped our list of potential locations so we are thrilled to be announcing this opening.

“The Mitre Hotel has long been an Oxford landmark and it is an honour to become custodians of this site and restore this historic building to its former glory.

Oxford Mail: The Mitre closed in 2018The Mitre closed in 2018

“By preserving the listed features, while introducing design elements that have made Gusto Italian so popular, we’re confident we will deliver a stunning building that combines tradition and modernity, that the people of Oxford will be proud to call their own.”   

The 10,000sq foot restaurant will be open for brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks, and with an Espresso and Cannoli Bar open from 10am every day.

Oxford Mail: The new restaurant will hold more around 150 covers The new restaurant will hold more around 150 covers

The main dining space will hold around 150 covers with a 100 cover function room on the first floor.

The restaurant will also feature three new design concepts which have been a huge hit with Gusto Italian customers:  Pizza Experience, Theatre Kitchen, and Dine Under the Olive Trees.

Recruitment for the new restaurant will begin later this year.

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This story was written by Sophie Perry. She joined the team in 2021 as a digital reporter.

You can get in touch with her by emailing: sophie.perry@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @itssophieperry

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