IN THE old days, drinkers would put a coin in the pub jukebox and a three-minute single would make some noise.

Now pub goers, including those visiting the City Arms in Oxford, will be able to use a mobile phone app to choose the songs they want.

This is just one of the hi-tech innovations at the pub in Cowley Road, where a £230,000 revamp is taking place.

Others include free superfast broadband, a wifi-linked printer so that students can prepare for tutorials in the bar, plugs and USB ports on tables for easy phone and computer charging, access to phone chargers and a free cash machine.

Fifteen jobs are being created and the pub, which is being refurbished, will relaunch on Friday.

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General manager George Cupit, 29, lives at the pub with wife Kerry and daughter Clara, 14 months.

Mr Cupit first worked at the City Arms in 2005 when he was a business and sociology student at Oxford Brookes University.

He then became assistant manager before being appointed manager. He said: “We are going to have a very modern jukebox with people using mobile phone apps to choose the songs they like, and that’s just one of the changes.

“There will also be a new menu and craft beers.”

The venue is part of the Stonegate Pub Company, based in Luton, which is investing in the refurbishment.

Mr Cupit added: “Everything about the pub will be different.

“From the moment you set foot inside it will be packed with things to do and enjoy.

“This investment is a big opportunity to create something new that will appeal to a wider audience and I’m looking forward to showing it to our existing customers.”

Eight TV screens and a giant drop-down screen showing Sky Sports and BT Sports in HD will be mounted around the pub.

“It’s good for watching football and other sports,” said Mr Cupit.

In the pub garden there will be astroturf grass, a TV screen and heated canopies.

Staff will also invite customers to write feedback and messages on a Post-it note wall.

There will be five craft beers to quaff and the new menu will feature burgers, hot dogs and bacon sandwiches.


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