Oxfordshire pub will reopen under its original name

The Clanfield Tavern, near Bampton, was bought by hospitality group Country Creatures, owners of exclusive foodie hotel The Double Red Duke, last year.

The Double Red Duke opened opposite the pub in June 2021 and has been featured in a host of magazines and praised by top food critics including Jay Rayner.

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It is part of the Country Creatures group of pubs run by Sam and Georgie Pearman.

The Clanfield Tavern has previously been owned by Marston’s Brewery, which owns more than 1,400 pubs across Britain.

Country Creatures also owns The Double Red Duke in Clanfield (Image: Ed Nix)

It was sold for £1.4million in September 2023 after the previous owner became seriously ill.

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The Grade II listed 17th century inn is currently closed for refurbishment and when completed a planning application reveals it will return to its original name The Mason’s Arms.

Country Creatures has applied to West Oxfordshire District Council for permission to change the signage on the building and car park and to renew the illuminated menu case at the front in aged bronze.

This is because 'the site has changed hands and the existing signs, due to their condition/age, do not support the development'.

Country Creatures states: "It is not our intention to increase scale of premises. All works are within existing demise with no detrimental effect to neighbouring properties in relation to privacy and it is not foreseen the proposal will have any adverse visual, lighting or noise issues with its neighbours."

Historic England said that 'on the basis of the information provided' it was not necessary to refer the planning application to them.

A spokesperson for Country Creatures said: "We are currently doing urgent repairs and will reopen as soon as we can.

"We can’t give any further information at the moment as we are working with planners to confirm plans."