Lots of pubs in Oxford over the years have been given quite unusual names - but it has not put drinkers off.

Earlier this week Dave Richardson, a spokesman for the city branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), urged Dodo pub company to have a re-think.

The company has taken over the White House in Abingdon Road and decided to call it The Slow & Steady, after original architect Henry Hare.

READ MORE: New name for Oxford pub ridiculed by real ale drinkers

Mr Richardson said it was one of the worst pub names he has ever heard and the majority of more than 500 Oxford Mail readers who took part in an online poll agreed with him.

Dodo Pub Company has taken over the White House from Tap Social Movement, and the acquisition has been welcomed by Oxford CAMRA.

Here are some pubs in city which have or once had unusual names: - with historic insights provided by Mr Richardson, whose book Oxford pubs was published in 2015 by Amberley Publishing.

(Image: Oxford Mail) The Angel & Greyhound in St Clements

The Angel in High Street was first known as The Tabard in 1391, it became the Angel in 1510 and was rebuilt and enlarged in 1663. It closed in 1866 when Magdalen College sold it to the university.  The Greyhound on the opposite side of High Street lasted until 1845.

The Angel & Greyhound in St Clements was first established in 1880. It became the Oranges and Lemons in 1970 and renamed the Angel & Greyhound in 1991.

The Old Bookbinders in Victor Street

It is claimed that this is the only pub in the country called The Bookbinders.

(Image: Andy Ffrench) The name reflects the rich publishing history of Jericho and its proximity to Oxford University Press. The pub was at one time known as the Printer's Devil, and was built in 1869 before it was acquired by Morrells Brewery in 1881.

The Three Goats Heads in St Michael's Street

According to CAMRA, Sam Smith’s only pub in Oxford was opened in 1987 having been converted from a pizza restaurant (and thought to have previously been a corn merchants).

(Image: Fran Way) It is of a very unusual design, with steps up from street level to an upper bar, and steps down to the basement bar. The bars are linked internally by another staircase. 

The White Rabbit in Friars Entry

Known as the Gloucester Arms (or 'Glock') until 2013, the pub claims to be the closest to a stage door anywhere in Britain, as its rear entrance is only a few feet from the back of the Playhouse.

(Image: Oxford Mail) It is not the only pub in Oxford which has been inspired by the world-famous tale Alice in Wonderland, written by the city's Lewis Carroll - real name Charles Dodgson.

The Bear Inn in Alfred Street

The original Bear Inn once ran the whole length of Alfred Street and was one of the city's most important hostelries during the 1500s. The building we see today dates from 1606.

Originally called the Jolly Trooper in 1774 it was renamed the Bear Inn in 1801.

It is famous for its collection of ties, started in 1954 by landlord and Oxford Mail cartoonist Alan Course.

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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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