Arson-hit pub has £300k makeover

The interior of the Berkshire House, in Abingdon Road, was almost gutted by the blaze in March, just days before it was due to be re-opened after a short closure.

But yesterday staff reopened the pub under the new name of the Crooked Pot, following a revamp costing up to £300,000.

The pub is owned by Greene King and has been leased to London-management company Blue Bear, which also relaunched the White House pub in Botley Road this summer.

Following the fire at the Berkshire House, police arrested a man on suspicion of arson but he was later released without charge.

The kitchen was destroyed in the blaze, and three ground-floor rooms were badly damaged.

A new licensee had been due to sign papers to take over the pub on the day of the fire.

Firefighters said there was a clear indication the blaze was arson.

Last month there was also a fire at the disused Fox and Hounds pub in the same road, but police and the fire brigade believe it was accidental.

Project manager for the Crooked pot refurbishment Chris Proudfoot said: “The pub has been divided into three sections and has now been completely refurbished.

“It has a new layout and new furniture throughout.

“There will be a chef on the premises preparing pub food and we think local residents will be delighted that we have reopened so soon after such a serious fire.

“Craig Harris is going to be running the pub with a small number of part-time staff.

“The pub is on a Greene King lease, but it's not a tied pub, it’s a free house.”

Mr Proudfoot added: “We opened for a few hours on Thursday night and the people living in the area seem really pleased the pub is back.”

Tony Goulding, pubs officer for Oxford Camra, said: “This is a success story for the Berkshire House.

“The local boozer feel of the Berkshire House might have gone, and there will be more emphasis on the food, but it is better to have a pub there than none at all.

“A change of name was necessary and it is nice to see the place smartened up.”