Pub in Oxfordshire village closed for months and needs landlord

The Prince of Wales in Church Way is the latest Oxfordshire hostelry to close during tough trading conditions, with some landlords struggling to make a decent living as cost of living pressures including rising energy costs continue to bite.

It has been closed for several months, and the brewery company Wadworth is now seeking new management to invest £17,000 and take over.

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It emerged last week that the White Hart in Wytham village was also closed and needs new management.

Dave Richardson, of Oxford CAMRA, said: "The pub has been closed for at least six months, and the apparent lack of progress in reopening it indicates that pub companies are having problems attracting tenants in today's difficult trading conditions.

"Who would want to start any business now with energy bills as they are, and no move by the government to offer help tailor-made for the pubs industry which has only recently come out of Covid?

"Fortunately there are two other pubs in Iffley.

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"The Tree Hotel has real ale, an Indian restaurant and substantial outside space for the summer, while the Isis Farmhouse by Iffley Lock can only be accessed along the Thames path but really comes into its own at this time of year because of its lovely setting."

Wadworth said in its advertisement for new managers there are 74 table spaces for pub goers inside and 88 outside.

It added: "The Prince of Wales sits in the quaint and pretty suburban area of Iffley, an area filled with leafy streets, cottages, and Victorian terrace houses.

"The River Thames flows along the eastern edge of Iffley. This part of the Thames is home to Iffley Lock, a part regularly visited by walkers, cyclists, and boaters."

The Prince of Wales had a four out of five rating on reviews site Tripadvisor.

One diner who gave it a five star review in October wrote: "We visited this place for dinner, since the refurb. The place looks amazing, the atmosphere is very friendly by all staff and they couldn’t be more helpful.

"We had dinner, cooked perfectly and so fresh tasting! I felt very welcomed here, will definitely be returning and wish the new owners all the best. Such a great addition to the community."

Another five star review in October said the pub was 'back to winning ways' under the leadership of a new landlord.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

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