Punters at the soon to open Muddy Duck pub in near Bicester could end up with muddy feet as well.

Along with local produce, the pub will promote local walks and even lend drinkers wellies so they can enjoy a ramble.

The Harris family who are behind the project at the former Whitmore Arms in Hethe, are no strangers to the food industry. They own the Bicester-based company fruit and vegetable supplier Fresh Holdings.

Co-owner Nigel Harris said: “We have been providing top ingredients to caterers for years, so this is to now use our knowledge of food with our own venture.

“And we want to be a bit different. We’re going to have maps and wellies available for walks for example, so people can come to the pub, use some of our wellies we’ll have available and go on one of our recommended walks.

“They can order before they go, and because we’ll know how long the walk is their food will be waiting for them when they get back.”

Stuart Challand has left the Trout Pub in Wolvercote, Oxford, where he was general manager, to run the new venture.

Mr Challand, 34, said: “We want to be a great local pub that people feel relaxed in.

“We aim to offer good food and drink, and while we hope for village loyalty we also want to be a destination pub. We’re putting together a strong team.”

The pub is opening on May 18 – for more information, log on at themuddyduckpub.co.uk