Oxford News
Award-winning Oxfordshire village pub up for £545,000 sale
The Swan Inn at Islip has been recognised for its hospitality excellence in recent years by being awarded three AA rosettes and being named in the Michelin Guide.
However, it was revealed in February the pub closed its doors on December 31, 2025.
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No reason for the permanent closure was given, but it follows the departure of Michelin-star-winning chef Paul Welburn in February 2025, who moved on to a new venture in Cornwall.
Following its closure, the pub was put up for sale online.
Described as an ‘attractive character village high-trading pub’, The Swan Inn was initially listed for a £95,000 leasehold asking price.
That has now dropped to £45,000 with the freehold listing at £545,000 plus VAT.
The annual turnover is listed as £413,000 per annum with a favourable lease, free of tie.
Boasting a ‘character bar’ with 20 covers and two restaurants totalling 50 covers, the pub is recommended for its ‘superb catering kitchen and service facilities’ and its large enclosed terraced garden, seating another 60 or more customers.
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The Swan Inn’s closure was discovered by this newspaper in early 2026.
At the time, a spokesperson for the pub said: “We would like to let you know that the business officially closed on December 31, 2025.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and would like to thank you for your valued custom and support over the years.
“It has truly been appreciated.”
The Grade II listed property on St John Street, which is up for sale, offers more than 2,900 square feet of living space spread over four floors.
It features a large family room, a kitchen/breakfast area, large bedrooms, a west-facing courtyard garden, and a separate annexe, and is being sold with “no onward chain.”
Inside, the main house boasts four bedrooms and a reconfigured interior.
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The lower ground floor features a wooden-floored family room, a utility room, and a modern shower room.
On the ground floor, there is a parlour room with a feature fireplace, and a kitchen/breakfast area that opens onto a walled courtyard garden.
The first floor offers two double bedrooms, one with an ensuite bathroom, while the second floor features the principal bedroom, bathroom, and a dressing room.
The annexe, accessible from the courtyard, has its own sitting room, a first-floor vaulted bedroom, and a lower ground floor bathroom.
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St John Street, known for its Georgian-style Grade II listed terraced houses, is situated in the heart of Oxford and was developed around 1830.
The area is close to top-rated state and independent schools, including The Dragon School, Oxford High School for Girls, Cherwell School, St Edward’s School, d’Overbroeck’s College, St Philip & James School, Summerfields School, Christchurch College School, New College School, and Magdalen College School.
The property is also near the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford colleges, and the Oxford railway station.
Thames Valley Police has released a CCTV image as it asks for the public’s help in identifying a man who may have vital information about the incident at Templars Shopping Centre in Cowley.
The reported ‘sexual assault’ happened when a woman in her 20s was inappropriately touched over her clothing at around 3pm on Tuesday, June 30.
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No arrests have been made at this time and the police has asked for anyone with any information to come forward as soon as possible.
Investigating officer PC Emily Rice said: “We are releasing this CCTV image as we believe the individual pictured may have information that could assist our investigation.
“If this is you, or if you recognise the person shown in the image, please contact Thames Valley Police.”
Anyone with information can make a report to the police online or call 101, quoting reference 43260331880.
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Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through its website.
Appeals for public help in finding individuals by the police can relate to suspects, witnesses or others who may have vital information in relation to the incident.
They do not mean the person is to blame nor do they imply guilt.
The scheme, which took effect on August 28, includes a wide range of furniture and home essentials.
In a statement, IKEA said: “From much-loved favourites to everyday essentials, customers can discover New Lower Prices both online and in-store, helping make it easier to create a home you love, whatever your budget.”
Among the discounted items is the KALLAX shelving unit, soon to be available for £49—down 18% from £60.
The HEMNES daybed, which functions as a sofa, single bed, double bed, and storage unit, will be reduced by 15% from £329 to £279.
In addition to these savings, IKEA is offering more than 1,000 exclusive in-store-only prices with discounts up to 25%.
The company said: “In time for cosy season, in stores nationwide, IKEA is also offering 20% off throws, bedspreads, candles, floor and table lamps, plus selected rugs, thermal curtains, seasonal duvets and cookware, from 7th September to 1st November nationwide.”
The history of IKEA
IKEA was founded in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad when he was just 17 years old.
Originally, the company sold small goods such as pens and wallets, but in 1948, Kamprad expanded into furniture.
This was facilitated by Ingvar’s father, who gave him a small sum of money for doing well in school, which he used to set up a company.
In 1953, the company adopted flatpack furniture, solving costly transportation problems.
IKEA grew steadily throughout the 1950s in Sweden, before expanding into Denmark and Norway in the 1960s.
By the 1970s, the brand had entered markets in Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Switzerland.
The first UK store opened in Warrington in 1987, marking the start of IKEA’s growth in the British market.
Today, IKEA employs nearly 12,000 people across its 22 UK locations.
Have you bought items from IKEA before? Let us know in the comments.
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