A village pub went under the hammer at an auction which has paved the way for it to reopen after weeks of speculation.
The Ben Jonson pub in Weston-on-the-Green near Bicester has been closed for months.
But now it looks like there is a good chance it could reopen as it has been bought at an auction for £570,000, European digital property marketplace BidX1 states.
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The auction website features the following description: "A detached Grade II listed corner property of Cotswold Stone construction beneath a pitched thatched roof arranged over ground and first floors.
"The ground floor provides two bar areas arranged around a single bar forming an L-shaped trading area with space for about 50 covers.
"Features of this area include an open fireplace, exposed timbers and timber floors. Additionally there is a trade kitchen with food preparation area and ground floor cellar.
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"The kitchen provides direct access to the rear patio and beer garden, which provide space for about another 120 covers."
It added: "We understand that the property is Grade II listed and lies within a conservation area, although it is not listed as an Asset of Community Value.
"We understand that the property holds a Premises License and is permitted to sell alcohol Monday to Saturday between 11am to noon and on Sunday between 11am to 10.30pm."
The pub, which has been owned by Punch Taverns, is named after the famous dramatist as he was believed to have once stayed at the pub while on a journey to see Shakespeare in Stratford.
Dave Richardson, of the Oxford branch of real ale group CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), said he was hopeful the pub would now reopen.
He added: "For that price it sounds like it has been sold as a pub and not as a private house.
"We would like to see all the pubs that have closed remain as pubs.
"Sometimes this can depend on the attitude of the local council - some councils are protecting pubs - for example Oxford City Council is not allowing any more pub conversions.
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"The Ben Jonson is a nice old place and does get some passing trade - it has had various names over the years."
Villagers protested in 2014 when new owners temporarily changed the name of the pub to The Black Sheep.
Punch Taverns has confirmed that the pub has now been sold.
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