A HISTORIC pub in central Oxford is set to reopen its doors tonight after a major refurbishment.

The Castle, in Castle Street, has been closed since January and the new owners are now hoping to overturn its run down reputation.

Oxfordshire's Hook Norton Brewery has taken on the running of the pub, which dates back to 1892, fulfilling a long-held ambition to open a city centre site for the first time.

The interior of the Castle has been fully re-decorated and the main bar has been re-modelled revealing some of the Victorian building's original features that were covered up over time.

There's also a few more modern touches including wooden beer crates being used for the bar.

The groundfloor, which was previously a night club, will now be in use seven days a week hosting live events and as a space for private hire and parties.

Landlord Jeremy Morey, who also runs Hook Norton’s Ye Olde Reindeer Inn in Banbury alongside Anthony Murray, said: "We wanted to create a city centre pub with the warm welcome of a village pub because there's nothing more comfortable than sitting in a great old British pub.

"Hook Norton have been looking for a pub like this for years and it is a great opportunity for us and the brewery.

“It was a place that did not have the best reputation before. It was a bit run down, a little unsavoury, and needed a new look to make it a success.

"We've had nothing but good feedback so far."

Focusing on local and regional beer, the pub will sell a wide range of cask, keg, bottles and cans.

Food has been designed to complement the beer-drinking with homemade pizzas and small plates for 'grazing' the speciality.

Mr Morey said: "People are going to the pub less but when they do go they enjoy more premium products.

"It's a fantastic time for beer in Oxfordshire.

"There's an amazing quality out there and it's great to be able to support the movement."

Oxford band the Vents will perform cover songs as the pub reopens from 6pm this evening.

The food menu will start next week when the pub reverts to its regular opening hours of 11am to 11pm, Monday to Thursday with later closing times on Friday and Saturday nights.