Romy Hewitt outside The Grapes after it was revamped in 2019 Following a visit to The James Street Tavern, one reviewer in March wrote: Can’t wait for this great pub to re open , Friday and Saturday nights are brilliant as the atmosphere is great , no hassle and great service
Enjoying a drink at The James Street Tavern Live music is perfect and the garden is beautiful. As it’s just off the Cowley road you may think it’ll be rowdy and full of kids but I can assure you the Doorstaff (who by the way look like they’re straight out of Peaky Blinders ) look after the pub and customers very well.
By Andrew Ffrench @OxMailAndyF Business reporter covering Didcot and Wallingford. Call me on 01865 425425
Pub of the Week - The Chester on Chester Street
Picture by Ed Nix The manager of an independent pub in east Oxford has said drinkers are delighted to be back and have been enjoying beers at 100 outdoor seats. Under the Government’s latest timetable for unlocking coronavirus restrictions, pubs and restaurants have been able to serve customers outside since April 12. Now, almost a month on, landlady Beccy Webb said The Chester Arms in Chester Street off Iffley Road has been extremely busy and she is looking forward to the next phase when pubs will be allowed to reopen indoors again from May 17.
About two thirds of pubs in Oxfordshire have reopened following the relaxing of lockdown restrictions. That’s the view of the Campaign for Real Ale group, which has been monitoring the response of landlords since pubs and restaurants were allowed to serve customers outside from April 12. Dave Richardson, of the Oxford branch of CAMRA, said many pubs have adapted well by providing more outdoor seatings, marquees and parasols. But he warned that there were ‘have and have nots’ and pubs without outdoor space are having to wait until May 17 to reopen when the Government is expected to allow pubs and restaurants to reopen again indoors.
One of Oxford s smallest pubs The Bear Inn has outdoor seating for 95 thisisoxfordshire.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thisisoxfordshire.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.