Experienced pub managers Bev and Paul Vanstone took over running the historic Turf Tavern in Oxford in January.
And the couple, who previously ran the Wig & Pen in George Street, and the Magic Midget at Abingdon, say the takeover couldn’t have come at a better time.
“We took over in January and since February it has been very busy - it’s been a bit crazy but that’s a good thing,” said Mrs Vanstone.”
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The pub off Holywell Street, which over the years has attracted some celebrity guests, is one of 10 nominated for the Oxford Mail Best Pub 2022 competition.
Mrs Vanstone added: “The last six or seven weeks has been particularly busy - we have quite a bit of seating outside.
“Inside it’s a small bar so it can be a bit of a squeeze at times.
“The young people like to sit at the tables and order their drinks using the app but some older people like to order at the bar and have a chat - they want to say hello and see a friendly face.”
The pub manager said some students worked for the Greene King hostelry during their summer break, while other staff were local.
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She added: “It’s a lovely surprise to be nominated and it would be nice to win it but even to be in the top 10 is good.
“To get this far shows how much our customers value the work of the staff team.”
Adding to the friendly welcome is the Vanstones’ young bulldog Reggie, who has had a beer named after him.
Reggie’s Turf is a Greene King beer, and as well as ales supplied by the pub company, the Turf also serves local ales including Loose Cannon’s Bombshell and Abingdon Bridge.
Titanic Brewery’s Plum Porter beer is also popular with the tourists and local drinkers.
After 27 years managing pubs with her husband, Mrs Vanstone is delighted to have arrived at the Turf Tavern.
She added: “The atmosphere here is created by the customers - there are no TVs or fruit machines.”
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The shortlist for the competition is: The Black Boy, Old High Street, Headington; The White Hart, St Andrew’s Road, Headington; The Brewery Tap, Ock Street, Abingdon; College Oak, Peachcroft Road, Abingdon; The Masons Arms, Quarry School Place, Headington; The Royal Blenheim, St Ebbe’s; The Turf Tavern, Bath Place, off Holywell Street; The Victoria Arms, Mill Lane, Oxford; The Queen’s Arms, Manor Road, Didcot; The White Hart, Godstow Road, Wolvercote.
Drinkers are now being asked to vote for their favourite by sending in voting tokens which will be featured in the Oxford Mail every day until Saturday, August 13.
Post your voting coupon to: Oxford Mail Best Pub 2022, Richmond House, Units 1 and 2, Edison Park, Hindle Way, Swindon, SN3 3RB.
The closing date for postal entries is Sunday, August 21.
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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF
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