Oxford News
Abingdon Greene King pub’s major works almost complete
Contractors have been working at The White Horse on the corner of Spring Road and Ock Street, and the pub is expected to reopen at noon on Thursday, May 7.
The pub shut on April 4 so that work could get under way.
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Kitty and Sean, the new managers, said they “can’t wait” to welcome patrons to the White Horse.
The landlords said in a joint statement: “We’re really looking forward to becoming part of this amazing community, getting to know you all, and making the pub a warm, welcoming place for everyone to enjoy.
“Please do pop in after the refurb, say hello, and join us for a drink—we can’t wait to meet you.”
The renovation is expected to include a comprehensive remodelling, including a colour touch-up ‘all over’ the pub, a newly decorated back bar, a ‘face-lift’ for the toilets, a new darts and bar area. and a redesign for the beer garden.
Staff could be seen working on the renovation outside the pub earlier today.
Before the Greene King pub shut a notice to customers said: “We’ll miss you. From Doreen and the team at The White Horse, we would like to say a big thank you for everything over the last three years.”
Greene King had been advertising for a new team to take over the management of the pub.
It said in an advert at the end of last year: “Pub managers of Oxfordshire, looking to run your own show?
“The White Horse, Abingdon is becoming a Hive franchise pub.
“We’re looking for someone to front the business, who is community minded, passionate about great hospitality and who can keep the guests coming back for more.
“A Hive Pub franchise offers you: the chance to be your own boss, and lower operational costs than a tenancy model.
“As a franchisee, Greene King will offer you: a comprehensive induction programme, a fully refurbished pub, that’s ready to trade, we’ll even cover most of the operational costs.”
The White Horse was previously run by the town’s Morland brewery which closed in 2000.
The White Horse has been popular for dining, with reasonably priced pub food including fish and chips, and for its big screens which feature sports including Premier League football matches.
The Oxford branch of real ale group CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) said the pub building was Grade II listed.
It added: “Originally owned by the Borough of Abingdon, the White Horse dates back to 1845 and had a number of tenants who were coal merchants and publicans before the Morland family ownership.
“In 1999, Greene King became the new owners and extended this Grade II listed building to provide dining facilities.
“This traditional English pub has a beer garden in front and its own car park.”
Ken Wright, 85, was driving his black Ford Puma on the A44 past Enstone, near Chipping Norton, when he died in a crash on July 9 last year.
His 77-year-old wife Vanessa, who was also in the car, died days later in hospital in Oxford on July 17.
A grey Audi A3, a grey Jaguar XE, a black Ford Puma and a grey Seat Leon were all involved in the smash.
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Their inquest was listed to take place on June 17, but the Oxfordshire coroner service has since confirmed this did not happen because it was an ‘out of file review’ so no final inquest was held.
An out of court file review, or inquest in writing, allows a coroner to review evidence and conclude an inquest solely on written documents.
It avoids a formal courtroom hearing and bypasses the need for witnesses or family members to attend in person.
Police have also closed their investigation into the crash and declined to provide further information about the circumstances.
Mr Wright, aged 85, was born in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, and played in jazz bands before joining rock group Cliff Ward and The Cruisers in the 1960s.
He also performed drums on the albums of the late songwriter Clifford T Ward.
Multiple vehicles, including two cars and a van, were spotted around Bonn Square between 6pm and 7pm yesterday, Thursday, June 18.
A man appeared to be handcuffed by several officers as shoppers passing-by watched on.
Thames Valley Police has been contacted for comment.
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Meanwhile the force has reported that it seized an “illegal electric bike” nearby on Cornmarket Street yesterday.
A spokesperson said: “We are working alongside other departments, and conducting operations to reduce the amount of illegal electric bikes and scooters on our streets.
“Especially those being used in an anti-social manner.
“Privately owned e-scooters remain illegal to be ridden on public land and will be seized, along with illegally modified e-bikes.”
Amazon has launched a new World Cup dine-in deal that could save football fans up to £7.40 on their match-day food and drinks.
The online retail giant might be best known for bigger purchases but it also does groceries too, and it is offering shoppers the chance to pick up two Franco Manca pizzas and a four-pack of drinks for £11 through Amazon Fresh throughout June.
The limited-time promotion runs here until June 30 and is available with same-day and next-day delivery, making it a handy option for last-minute World Cup watch parties.
What’s Included In Amazon’s £11 World Cup Deal?
Customers can mix and match from a selection of popular Franco Manca pizzas, including:
- Salami, ‘Nduja & Hot Honey Pizza
- Greek Inspired Chicken Gyros Pizza
- Quattro Formaggi & Balsamic Glaze Pizza
- Meatball Ragu Pizza
The bundle also includes a choice of selected four-packs of drinks.
Options include:
- Coca-Cola Original Taste
- Coca-Cola Zero Sugar
- Birra Moretti
- Birra Moretti Zero Alcohol-Free
According to Amazon, customers can save up to £7.40 compared with buying the items separately.
The deal is available through Amazon Fresh and can be delivered directly to customers’ doors, helping fans stock up before kick-off without leaving home.
Where is Amazon Fresh available?
Amazon Fresh is available across a growing number of towns and cities throughout the UK, including London, Birmingham, Manchester and other major locations.
Shoppers can check whether the service is available in their area by entering their postcode through the Amazon Fresh storefront. The service offers everything from fresh groceries and chilled food to cupboard essentials and household products.
Customers can then choose from same-day or next-day delivery slots seven days a week, subject to availability.
Some shoppers can get their order in just 30 minutes
For customers in selected London postcodes, Amazon now offers ultra-fast grocery delivery through Amazon Now, with orders arriving in as little as 30 minutes.
The retailer has also confirmed plans to expand the rapid delivery service to Birmingham and Manchester later this year, giving even more football fans access to last-minute match-night essentials.
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World Cup watch parties
With millions expected to tune into this summer’s biggest football matches, retailers are racing to tempt shoppers with food and drink deals.
Amazon says the promotion is designed to help customers get match-ready, whether they’re hosting a watch party, planning a family night in or simply looking for an easy dinner before the game.
Alongside the pizza bundle, shoppers can also browse Amazon Fresh’s range of snacks, party food and international dishes inspired by teams competing in the tournament.
The £11 World Cup dine-in deal is available now until June 30, while stocks last.
Will you try out this deal? Let us know in the comments.
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