An Oxford pub has closed temporarily after the Tap Social Movement handed over the management to a new company.

The social enterprise and craft brewery has pulled out of the White House after three years, handing over to another independent Oxford-based operator, Dodo Pub Co, which has leased it from Brasenose College.

The pub closed on June 16 and will remain closed until early September for refurbishment work, and with the Berkshire pub also being shut, Abingdon Road now has just one pub open for the time being – the Greene King-owned Duke of Monmouth.

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Tap Social has expanded rapidly since its foundation in 2016 on the Curtis Industrial Estate in Botley, running very successful events at its taproom.

It operates a second and larger brewing site in Kidlington, the Market Tap bar in Oxford and a bar in Banbury (Lock29), plus the Proof Social bakehouse in Kennington.

But taking on the White House while Covid restrictions has proved a major challenge.

“As two local independents with firm roots in the Oxford community, we pride ourselves on building and running fun, inclusive venues where all are welcome,” said Tap Social co-founder Paul Humpherson and Dodo Pub Co co-founder Leo Johnson in a joint statement to the Oxford Drinker, the magazine of the local branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale).

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“As Tap Social hands the reins over to Dodo Pub Co, we’re pleased to say the focus on serving the local community remains the same, and that Dodo Pub Co’s winning formula of great food and craft beer under their slogan ‘Neighbourhood Pubs’ will without question carry on and build upon what Tap Social accomplished at this location.” 

(Image: Tap Social Movement)

The White House becomes Dodo’s fourth pub in Oxford and ninth overall, and all have a strong focus on community and an informal, pizza-based menu.

Its first pub was the Rusty Bicycle in Magdalen Road, East Oxford (formerly the Eagle Tavern) in 2009, followed by the Rickety Press in Jericho (formerly the Radcliffe Arms) in 2011.

Both these pubs are owned by and tied to Swindon brewer Arkell’s, but the White House is free of tie like the Up in Arms (formerly the Somerset) in Marston Road, which reopened in 2019 after a long period of closure.

Dodo will offer three beers from Tap Social’s award-winning range on draught when the White House reopens.

(Image: Tap Social Movement) Mr Humpherson added: "“This announcement is of course tinged with sadness,” adds Paul. “We’ve created so many good memories here, and created thousands of hours of paid employment for prison leavers since we took over the pub during the pandemic.

"But while it’s tough to part with this amazing building and its wonderful regulars, we have big plans for the future and we’re excited to see what Dodo does with the space.

"Everyone on the Tap Social team would like to thank all of our customers for their support over the years, as well as Brasenose College for their generous, unwavering support as landlords against an unprecedented economic backdrop."

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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.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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