A deal is nearing completion for a pub company to take over the running of The Grapes in Oxford.

The pub in George Street shut suddenly at the end of 2021 and has not reopened.

The Grapes, which dates back to the 1800s, closed in December 2021 after the West Berkshire Brewery running it went into administration, and a note was placed on the door saying it would not be reopening.

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The pub has always been popular with theatre goers and last year real ale campaigners CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) called for the building's owners to 'show some flexibility' regarding the lease.

Now city council spokesman Tony Ecclestone has confirmed that a deal with a pub company is close to being finalised.

He said: "We’re close to completing the assignment of the leasehold interest to another pub operator."

Dave Richardson, a spokesman for Oxford CAMRA, said he was pleased it looked like The Grapes could be reopening.

He added: "We understand the pub is being leased to a small London company that operates pubs including the Lyric in Soho and Express Tavern in Brentford.

"That’s good news for us as it has a major focus on traditional real ales and good value food, and it would be good to see a traditional pub back on George Street which has mainly large chain pubs.

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"It also plays vinyl records in some of its pubs which would add to the vibe.”

Mr Richardson said earlier The Grapes was loved by patrons of the New Theatre who know that if you slipped out quickly at the interval, you could be served more quickly in the pub than at the theatre’s own bar.

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 comfortable new wooden booths created and mosaic tiling around the bar.

The Grapes was the Berkshire microbrewery’s first solo-run pub and it brought its own beers, together with those supplied by Abingdon’s Loose Cannon and Cholsey’s Amwell Springs Brewery Company.

Money was also spent renovating the cellar and the brewery bosses said they wanted the pub to be more inviting and comfortable.

Oxford Mail:

The Lyric pub in Soho says on its website: "Seasonal dishes, daily deals, home-made pub classics for all the family.

"Numerous top quality cask and keg beers both familiar and exciting, delicious affordable wines, small batch spirits and a great atmosphere for all occasions."

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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

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