A well-known Oxford pub is set to undergo a major change as its landlords have chosen to move on.

The Lamb & Flag in St Giles Street is one of the oldest watering holes in the city welcoming in tourists and locals alike.

After closing in January 2021, the pub successfully reopened in October 2022 as Dylan Dudbridge-Hay and his wife Alice took over the management of the historic pub on behalf of the Inklings.

Yet less than two years later and the couple are departing The Lamb & Flag for a new adventure in Cornwall.

READ MORE: Council pays out staggering £95K in claims amid ‘worrying’ rise

Dylan Dudbridge-Hay with wife Alice back in 2022.Dylan Dudbridge-Hay with wife Alice back in 2022. (Image: Photo: Andy Ffrench)

A post on the pub’s official Instagram page revealed the news alongside a photograph of the whole team behind the bar.

“The end of an era,” read the post’s caption.

“Friday was a bit of an emotional one.

“Without a doubt, the Lamb has nurtured such a strong sense of community - with all our customers, excellent suppliers and our second-to-none, incredible team members.

“It has been an honour to be a chapter in what we’re sure will be an epic story.

“We leave you in expert hands, and a place in our hearts as we chase our dreams by the sea.”

READ MORE: Oxford airline bus routes to and from Heathrow Airport cancelled

One of the commenters confirmed the new destination as Cornwall as they left a good luck message for their former workmates.

“It was a pleasure working with you two,” said Tom Mead.

“Have the best time in Cornwall. You two will smash it. Looking forward to continuing to support The Lamb & Flag going forward.”

Others also shared their sadness of the couple’s departure but also thanked the pair for their contribution to the pub’s long and rich history.

“Thank you so much for making this the most welcoming place,” said one commenter.

Another simply added: “Screaming, crying, throwing up.”

READ MORE: All you need to know about Clarkson’s Farm season four including release date

Oxford book store Gulp Fiction which is within the Covered Market also made a comment via the shop’s official Instagram account.

“You will be sorely missed. Thank you for bringing the Lamb back,” read the comment.

As one of the city’s oldest pubs, there was shock around the globe when it unexpectedly closed back in January of 2021.

At the time of the watering hole’s reopening the following year, Mr Dudridge-Hay said: "We are absolutely delighted the pub has reopened.

"I have spent my career in hospitality, starting at St Aldate's Tavern, and then I moved to Bristol, and joined XT Brewery before working at the Rickety Press and The Up In Arms in Marston.

"Everyone has a story about the Lamb & Flag. It's so ingrained in the Oxford community so this is a little daunting."

READ MORE: Woman arrested after dancefloor fight sees teen 'hit in face with glass'

Dylan Dudbridge-Hay outside the pub in 2022.Dylan Dudbridge-Hay outside the pub in 2022. (Image: Photo: Andy Ffrench)

Help support trusted local news

Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe/

As a digital subscriber you will get:

  • Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website        
  • Advert-light access             
  • Reader rewards             
  • Full access to our app