Oxford's historic Grapes pub could reopen soon once the search to find a new landlord is completed.
The Grapes in George Street has been closed since the end of last year.
Drinkers were shocked when staff at The West Berkshire Brewery pub placed a note on the door to say it would not be reopening.
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The note at Christmas told drinkers: “It is with great sadness that I inform you The Grapes is closed. We will not be reopening.”
The West Berkshire Brewery, near Newbury, which took over the pub lease in 2019, went into administration, according to Companies House.
But now there are positive signs that reopening could be a strong possibility.
The city council, which owns the building but not the lease, has been keeping an eye on the situation in recent months.
A spokesman said: "The property lease is held by the West Berkshire Brewery Company (in administration).
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"The administrator has identified a purchaser for existing leasehold interests and the terms of that deal are agreed."
Dave Richardson, a spokesman for the Oxford branch of real ale group CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), welcomed news of potential progress.
He said: "Any progress on re-opening the Grapes is of course welcome, as it's been a dark space in bustling George Street for nearly a year now.
"We hope it will go to an independent operator rather than become another chain pub, but we shall have to see.
"Either way I look forward to popping in for an interval pint the next time I go to the New Theatre, as you can get served more quickly in the Grapes.
"With the Lamb & Flag reopening last month and The Mitre about to become an Italian restaurant, that would just leave the Eagle and Child as the only closed and shuttered pub in the city centre.
"There always seems to be interest in reviving a historic hostelry."
The Grapes, which dates back to the 1800s, is popular with theatre goers and real ale drinkers.
Bath Ales were in charge in 2012 and the pub then became Beerd Oxford in 2015 before it was named The Grapes again in 2017.
When WBB took over in 2019 the interior was given a £70,000 revamp with new wooden booths created and mosaic tiling around the bar.
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But just over a year later it shut suddenly and has remained closed ever since.
It looks like some of the pub furniture has since been removed.
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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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