A pub in Oxford with a controversial new name is now ready to open.

In May, social enterprise and craft brewery Tap Social Movement pulled out of running The White House in Abingdon Road after three years, handing over to another independent Oxford-based operator, Dodo Pub Co, which has leased it from Brasenose College.

While the Oxford branch of real ale group CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) welcomed the takeover, its members criticised Dodo's proposal to call the pub The Slow and Steady, named after its architect Henry Hare.

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The company initially proposed to paint the pub black - a plan that was opposed by residents and conservationists, and that idea was ditched.

Dodo spokeswoman Sarah Evans confirmed earlier that the pub would remain white but she added the company was going ahead with the name change.

"We think the name will grow on our regulars, and the pub sign featuring two hares and a tortoise should be going up today," she said.

(Image: Tap Social) Ms Evans added the pub has been redesigned inside so it can incorporate a new pizza oven.

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"We will be giving away 1,000 pizzas to locals if they sign up to our newsletter," she added.

On Friday people living in the area were invited to the pub for a 'Neighbourhood Sneak Peek'.

(Image: Dodo Pub Company) On Thursday there will be a VIP night, followed by the official opening on Friday, at 5pm.

New pub signs have been designed and are expected to go up by the end of the day.

Oxford CAMRA spokesman Dave Richardson described the Slow and Steady name as a "shocker" and one of the worst pub re-namings he had come across.

He urged Dodo Pub Co to have a re-think, following an Oxford Mail poll in which 62 per cent of more than 500 readers said they were not fans of the new name but the company has stuck to its decision.

(Image: Dodo Pub Company) Mr Richardson said earlier: "I'm not surprised the majority of readers were not in favour of the new name.

"A lot of people value tradition in a pub and yes there is a connection with the architect Henry Hare but not many people will be aware of that.

"The pub was called The Folly Bridge Inn for a while and I think The Folly would be a much better name because that works well as the location is quite close to Folly Bridge."

Mr Richardson said CAMRA welcomed Dodo taking over the pub from Tap Social Movement.

He added: "We welcome a new independent pub operator taking over this pub and we wish them all the best."

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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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