A deal with a pub company which has agreed to take over a popular pub in George Street is now being completed.

The Grapes shut suddenly at the end of 2021 but could now reopen within months after a London-based pub company stepped in to take it over.

The pub, which dates back to the 1800s, closed in December 2021 after the West Berkshire Brewery running it went into administration, and a note was placed on the door saying it would not be reopening.

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It is popular with theatre goers as it is opposite the New Theatre and real ale fans have also considered it one of their favourite hostelries over the years.

A pub company which runs a small number of pubs included The Lyric in Soho and Express Tavern in Brentford has agreed to take on The Grapes and the paperwork for the contract with the council is about to be completed.

City council spokesman Tony Ecclestone said the completion of the agreement was 'imminent'.

Oxford Mail: Inside The Grapes

Dave Richardson, of real ale group Oxford CAMRA, said he expected the new owners to start working at the pub very soon and complete any renovation work within six weeks, which could mean the pub reopening as soon as August.

He added: "The Grapes is becoming part of a small independent pub group which puts the emphasis on real ales and ciders and simple food, and that's a huge win for ale lovers and people who like traditional pubs.

"Some of the pubs in the group are known for their vinyl record collections, adding to the quirky vibe in contrast to the mass market atmosphere of the Grapes' nearest competitors the Wig & Pen (Greene King), O’Neill’s (M&B) and the Four Candles (Wetherspoon)."

The pubs expert said the reopening of a traditional pub on George Street would be a 'major gain' for the real ale scene in the city, following on from re-opening of the Lamb & Flag last October, but with the Eagle and Child still closed.

Oxford Mail: The Grapes in George Street is reopening

Another former real ale venue, The Mitre on High Street, was also long-term closed but is now the Gusto Italian restaurant with no trace remaining of its previous identity or history.

"We like what we've heard about this pub company, and Oxford CAMRA will offer The Grapes every support to help make it a success," added Mr Richardson.

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"It could so easily have become just another coffee joint or food outlet and we have quite enough of them."

Oxford Mail:

Before the pub shut the West Berkshire Brewery renovated the interior, creating new wooden booths for drinkers and also improved the bar area.

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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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