RESIDENTS in West Oxford are delighted that a former pub, boarded up for almost two years, is about to reopen following a £200,000 facelift.

The White House, in Botley Road, which closed in 2007, will open its doors to customers on Wednesday, July 1.

The lease for the Punch Taverns pub has been bought up by an entrepreneur, and residents said they were relieved the building was no longer an eyesore.

Alex Pitcher, 31, a cardiologist, from Abbey Road, said: “I’m pleased the pub is reopening and I’m intrigued to see what the food will be like.

“The Kite, in Mill Street, is an excellent local pub and with the White House opening, I hope there will be good trade for them both.”

Jim Smith, 74, of Gibbs Crescent, added: “The pub has been boarded up for far too long and it looks much better now.”

Mick Harris, who runs Mick’s Café next to the pub, said: “The White House has been empty for far too long — it’s better for business to have the place open.”

A spokesman for the White House said a general manager was about to be appointed and Ellie Travers, 21, had been installed as head chef.

He added: “We’re going to provide reasonably priced food for families and students and we’re not tied to any brewery, so we will be able to bring in a range of real ales.

“We know there’s a recession on, so we will provide a series of specials throughout the week to give people a good lunch for a reasonable price.The White House is right next to the railway station and has a big garden and a car park, so there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be a great success.”

The pub will feature a sports bar and is being completely redecorated inside.

Miss Travers said: “I was head chef at the New Inn, in Minster Lovell, and I have been in catering since I was about 15.

“We want to use local produce and serve good quality, everyday food at reasonable prices.”

Work is under way in the garden to lay decking.

An official opening, featuring a hog roast, is expected to take place in August.

Last year, the Solidaire group was due to take over the pub and bring in Middle Eastern cuisine, but the deal fell through.

Richard Thurston, chairman of the Osney Island Residents’ Association, said: “It’s great to see a big banner up saying the pub is going to reopen.

“The White House will face plenty of competition but I hope it does well — a few years ago it had a reputation for great food.”