A Jericho pub with a 'secret garden' has reopened following an extensive makeover.

The Harcourt Arms in Cranham Terrace was closed for most of September while contractors completed the refurbishment.

The pub owned by Fuller's is run by Ian Stuart and he has been reminding drinkers that the hostelry is open once again - with a fresh new look inside.

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Some drinkers have referred to the pub as having a 'secret garden' as it is very enclosed.

It reopened in time to make the most of the unusually warm weather for this time of year.

Mr Stuart said in a statement: "We did it. The Harcourt Arms is back open.

Oxford Mail: The pub during the refurbishment"Thanks to the support from Fuller's and their team from Shone Builders who worked every weekend to make sure we reopened on schedule as well as my staff who worked tirelessly to get the place back up and running.

"The outside is the same but pop in soon and you'll see what we've achieved."

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The landlord added that the Sunday open mic night has returned to its usual schedule.

Regular Mark Doran is a fan of the pub's new look.

He said: "It's brilliant. Nicely-decorated and with very presentable toilets. There is the same furniture and fireplaces as well as friendly staff."

The pub returned to the Good Beer Guide last year.

Jericho resident John Mair said: "The pub does have a secret garden.

Oxford Mail: A band plays in the garden"It is the Groucho Club of Jericho - you can meet everyone who is anyone there.

"The best time to go is from 5pm when it opens and Ian is in the saddle.

"The music nights are riotous and packed and there's good beer too - very well kept."

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Dave Richardson, of the Oxford branch of real ale group CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), said Mr Stuart was doing a great job running the Harcourt Arms.

He added: "It's good to see Fuller's investing in the pub as Fuller's nowadays focus on large dining pubs.

Oxford Mail: Ian Stuart, landlord of The Harcourt Arms Picture: Pip Art"The Harcourt Arms don't do food at all so the investment indicates they are serious about retaining some old-fashioned pubs.

"Some pub groups definitely see a bigger profit in food so for them the larger the pub the better."

Mr Richardson added that the Harcourt's secluded garden was a big asset and had played an important role during the Covid lockdowns.

"The garden was very helpful during the pandemic and continues to be popular in most weathers," he added.

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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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