A pub in Abingdon is the latest in Oxfordshire to close during the cost of living crisis.

The Old Anchor Inn in St Helen's Wharf is a Grade II-listed pub, which was converted from three cottages around 1884 when St Helen's Wharf was redeveloped, and the cottages are believed to date from the 17th century.

Members of the Oxford branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) said the pub shut recently.

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The pub's last Facebook post, about an open mic night, was on April 5 and the whatpub.com website now lists the pub as 'long-term closed', adding that the Greene King lease is 'believed to expire in June 2023'.

Dave Richardson, a spokesman for Oxford CAMRA, said: "The Old Anchor Inn is a lovely historic pub which we would very much like to see reopen under new owners, as it didn't realise its potential under a series of tenants while leased by Greene King brewery.

"It was originally run by Morland brewery of Abingdon, passing to Greene King following its takeover and closure of Morland in 2000.

"We understand Greene King is giving up the lease as it doesn't appear on the brewery's list of tenancies to let."

Oxford Mail: The Old Anchor in Abingdon

Mr Richardson added: "What it really needs is an independent operator to take over, give it some TLC and offer some interesting beers to tempt people down there, and to make best use of the courtyard and riverside setting.

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"But it could take a while for this to happen as many would-be pub operators are wary to take on a business while energy bills remain so high and the trading environment so unpredictable.

"There are a growing number of closed pubs around the county, but we can't see the council allowing a change of use to residential at the Old Anchor, so we might have to be patient."

Some pub landlords have been struggling to make a living due to rising energy costs and a reduction in the number of customers.

Oxford Mail: The Old Anchor in Abingdon

Mark 'Baz' Butcher ran the former Wadworth pub the White Hart for eight years before leaving as landlord at the end of last year.

It is understood that the pub has been shut for several months with property specialist company Fleurets stating there has been a "retirement sale". 

A tweet from a pub account said the "award-winning 17th century restaurant" had been "Bu**ered by Brexit, survived Covid, currently closed by energy costs, inflation and complete government inaction". 

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The Prince of Wales in Iffley has also been closed for several months and brewery company Wadworth is now seeking new management to invest £17,000 to take over.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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