TWO Oxford graduates have joined forces to open a wine bar with a difference.

Italian Maurizio Luci, 32, has a hospitality management degree from Oxford Brookes, while his English business partner Chris Murray, 30, is an Oxford University engineering graduate.

They met nine years ago while working at the Bridge nightclub in Oxford. They have taken a six-month lease on the premises of a former Indian restaurant at 123 Walton Street, Oxford, to set up Bottega.

Mr Luci, who left Italy when he was 18, said: “We are emphasising the wine side, but we will also serve antipasti and other snacks.” He has given up his job at Summertown Wine Cafe to refurbish the building, and hopes to open early next month.

* Jon Ellse, owner of Mamma Mia and Portabello in Summertown, is to open a brasserie in Walton Street next month.