A pub alongside the River Thames in Oxford is changing its name for the first time since it opened almost 140 years ago.

The Waterman’s Arms, on Osney island, will become The Punter when it reopens later this month after under- going a major refit.

New joint licensee Tom Rainey said he was not glossing over the pub’s history but said it needed a fresh start.

It is Mr Rainey and business partner Paul Fox’s second pub, after they opened another Punter inn in rival university city Cambridge three years ago.

Mr Rainey, 40, from London, said: “We’re very excited to be opening a pub here.

“We decided to change the name because we already have a successful pub with that name, and we’re very close to the river here.

“We certainly don’t want to upset anybody or try to alter the pub’s long reputation. We just believe it needs a completely fresh start and a name change is a good way to start.”

The Waterman’s Arms opened in 1871 to serve the growing number of people living on the island and barge crews using Osney Lock as they travelled along the river.

In Oxford, punting traditionally takes place downriver on the Thames beyond Folly Bridge and on the River Cherwell.

Builders renovating the building are installing stone and wood floors and will fit traditional sash windows in the East Street frontage.

Mr Rainey said he wanted to make the best possible use of “a great pub space”.

He added: “It’s in a great location and we really want this to be somewhere that everybody living in Osney and along Botley Road will want to call their local.

“Osney really is a little village in Oxford and seems to have a strong community. The best place for a pub like ours – central but off the beaten track – this has to be the perfect location.”

Mr Fox, 32, will be head chef at the pub, which is owned by Suffolk-based brewery Greene King.

While the final menu has yet to be finalised, items on offer at its sister pub include a Punter burger made with Stilton cheese, gnocchi with goats’ cheese and roasted pepper, and sea trout with tabouleh salad and cucumber salsa.

Mr Rainey said: “We will be serving fresh, local produce, but that’s such a cliche these days, every pub says it.

“We were even tempted in Cambridge to say all our food was frozen and shipped in from the other side of the world, just to be different “There’s some great produce in Oxfordshire and we’re really looking forward to the game season. We’re also finding out if we can catch crayfish from the river to serve at the pub, because they’re abundant and delicious.”

The pub is due to reopen under its new name on Tuesday, August 31.