Alex Donohue, of Ladbrokes, has sung the praises of his visit to Oxford on Tuesday.

“He said: “The staff were exceptional, including the friendliest pool operator we’ve dealt with to date.

“The food – often a sticking point at all sports-leisure venues – was superb.

“My rare sirloin stood up to anything likely to be served on a slate in a swankier London restaurant at double the price.

“From the pictures of the rich and famous, which adorn the walls in the lounge through to the laudable betting percentages, it appears attention to detail and a customer-friendly offering is the order of the day.”