A new pub could become a quiet retreat just yards from Oxford's busiest centre of nightlife.

Noel Reilly, the former landlord of the Jude The Obscure pub in Walton Street, is fronting a plan to open the business in Friar's Entry, only a short distance from George Street.

In the past, the city council has considered designating George Street an official party zone because it contains so many pubs and restaurants.

Mr Reilly, 56, left the Jude The Obscure last August when his tenancy with Morrells of Oxford ended.

He says he now wants to create a similar, peaceful atmosphere at a new pub called Far From The Madding Crowd.

Poetry readings were sometimes held at his former pub and Mr Reilly, 56, hopes to create the same arty feel at a new venue.

Hoping to attract customers from both town and gown, Mr Reilly has promised there will be no piped music, games machines or alcopops in his new pub, which also takes its title from a novel by the author Thomas Hardy, as did his former pub.

He said: "Its main purpose will be as a haven for conversation and good fellowship, and a focus for Oxford's cultural and artistic life.

"Surrounded by the noise and bustle of the city centre, it will truly be Far From The Madding Crowd."

Mr Reilly, who also worked as a landlord in Swindon, is submitting the planning application for the pub on behalf of Seighford Investment Company Ltd.

He refused to reveal the identity of the backers who have agreed to finance the pub, which could open as soon as March if the company gets the go-ahead from the city council.

The council's central, south and west area committee is due to consider the planning application tomorrow.

Licensing magistrates will also consider granting Mr Reilly a liquor licence tomorrow.

If there are no objections, Seighford plans to lease the site of the pub from Standard Life Investment Fund/Crest Nicholson Properties, which owns it.

Seighford is applying to change the use of the property from retail to food and drink.

Friars Entry runs alongside the Debenhams department store from Magdalen Street to Gloucester Green.