WHEN their only pub shut nearly two years ago South Hinksey residents started gathering to drink and socialise in each other’s homes.

But the ‘mock pub’ scheme to replace the General Elliott soon got out of hand as up to 60 people were regularly turning up.

Now, having proved the demand, they want to talk to owners Vale Brewery about how they can reopen their beloved boozer.

Adrian Porter, 40, of Manor Road, added: “Our mock pub started because the pub shut and we still wanted somewhere to meet and we didn’t want the community spirit to disappear. Since then it has got too successful for our own good.”

The mock pub group has now started meeting on a piece of land which used to be the pub car park.

Mr Porter said 30 people came to the first gathering on the land last Friday.

Matthew Frohn, 45, who also lives opposite the pub in Manor Road, said: “The mock pub group became so popular we often had 60 people.

“It became unsustainable as it was in people’s homes.

“Few people were willing to do it in their houses when it became such a burden on those running it.” He added: “We are now trying to have a community drink and family venue in absence of the pub.”

Mr Frohn said residents would gladly talk to Vale Brewery about helping to get the pub open again, even if it involved digging in to their own pockets.

He added: “We are desperate for a pub. We would be willing to consider anything to get our pub back.

“That pub has been there for a long, long time.”

Vale Brewery has had two applications to turn the pub into housing rejected by Vale of White Horse District Council since 2010.

But Phillip Stevens, co-owner of Vale Brewery, said he would be willing to hear ideas. He said: “My door is always open to them to put themselves forward and put a proposition to us.”

Mr Stevens said the pub was not currently for sale, adding: “It has just been shelved as a project.”

Maggie Rawcliffe, chairman of South Hinksey Parish Council, said the patch of land by the pub would be great for gatherings in the summer.

She said: “There is a great community spirit in this village and the very existence of the mock pub is evidence of that. But we are a very small community so it would be difficult to support a pub on its own.”