TWENTY years ago Xhetan Bushi was a doorman at football-themed Eurobar in George Street, struggling to keep Oxford and Swindon fans apart.

Now the 40-year-old has taken over the hostelry and has renamed it OXO Bar.

The widescreen TVs have all been removed in a £100,000 makeover with plush seating and the focus is now on gin and cocktails.

Father-of-one Mr Bushi, who also runs The Baron pub in Cowley Road, said: “I remember working here in 1998 when it was a football bar and it could get very lively.

“For one match between Oxford and Swindon we had rival fans in and there were only three of us to keep the fans apart – luckily we managed it.

“Now the OXO Bar will have a very different feel and we want everyone to feel welcome.”

The new bar will open from 4pm to 12.30am Sunday to Thursday and from 4pm to 1.30am on Friday and Saturday.

From 5pm to 9pm every day there will be a ‘happy hour’ when house cocktails will be on sale for £4.

Mr Bushi is holding a special launch for the new venture tonight, featuring Oxford Latin Combo from 7pm.