A CITY centre bar and restaurant is to close as the company’s owner attempt to reduce its debt.

Old Orleans, on the corner of George Street and Gloucester Street, will shut its doors at the beginning of next month after a decision by the Regent Inns chain.

A company spokesman last night said: “Following an extensive review of its property portfolio, Regent Inns can confirm that it has surrendered the lease of Old Orleans in Oxford.

“This venue is currently due to close on September 3. This decision is in line with the board’s stated intent of reducing debt and operating costs.”

There are 26 Old Orleans restaurants in Britain, serving food associated with the southern United States. The Oxford venue also operates as a cocktail bar and is open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

It is not known if staff will be redeployed elsewhere in the chain.

Tony Cope, Oxford’s police licensing officer, said any replacement business is likely to be of a similar nature, such as a restaurant and bar, cafe, or pub.

He said any change to a nightclub would require a change of licence which would be unlikely to be granted due to city council’s Special Saturation Policy (SSP).

The SSP puts the onus on venue owners to prove to police their premises will not increase disorder in the city centre.