A real ale campaigner is urging pub company Greene King to change the name of a north Oxford hostelry.
There are two Gardeners Arms in north Oxford - one in North Parade Avenue and the other in Plantation Road.
David and Jenny Rhymes ran the Gardeners Arms in North Parade Avenue for 30 years until they retired last year and the pub is currently closed.
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Greene King is advertising for a new tenant and has recently dropped the annual rent.
Dave Richardson, of Oxford CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), said: "Greene King has dropped the annual rent from £42,000 to £35,000 - I think that's indicative of these hard times.
"I think now would be a good time to change the name of the Gardeners Arms in North Parade Avenue because Greene King are planning extensive refurbishment and the pub will not be anything like it was before.
"Changing the name would avoid confusion - it's definitely something that should be considered."
It is understood that Greene King is close to appointing a new manager to run the pub.
The advertisement for the pub says: "The Gardeners Arms is located in an affluent part of North Oxford on the lower edge of Summertown.
"North Parade, also known as North Parade Avenue, is the only shopping street located in North Oxford apart from the city centre in the south and Summertown in the north.
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"Initially, it was home to a number of traditional shops such as butchers, fishmongers, grocers, etc, but modern times have given way to more upmarket establishments such as artisan bakers, fresh produce retailers and restaurants.
"A farmer's market also takes place here every month.
"Our investment in The Gardeners Arms will contribute to the significance of the conservation area by forming part of this eclectic mix of small shops and buildings which will enhance the ‘village like’ ambience of the street and its special architectural character and appearance."
Mr Richardson said earlier Greene King wanted the pub to b a drinks-only, up-market bar, with no food.
"That would mean a new tenant starting from scratch and attracting a new 'premium' market with a wide range of drinks including, probably, cocktails," he added.
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Earlier this year Greene King applied to Oxford City Council for permission to change the internal layout of the pub and serve alcohol and play live music until midnight during the week and 1am on Friday and Saturday nights.
The application prompted objections from some people living near the pub.
Greene King has not yet commented.
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Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here.
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