Oxfordshire pub back from the dead years after closure

The Black Prince in Manor Road in Woodstock dates back to the 16th century.

Sitting opposite the grounds of Blenheim Palace on the banks of the River Glyme, the spot has always boasted a stunning riverside garden.

The watering hole shut in June of 2023, after the business was sold with the new owners closing the pub for the “foreseeable future”.

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The Black Prince pub in 2026. (Image: Newsquest)

An announcement from The Black Prince at the time said it believed it would reopen again at some point in the future, but this was not a certainty.

“We are all very shocked and saddened that our journey together must come to an end, and would like to say thank you to everyone who has ever been in to visit us,” said a pub spokesperson three years ago.

“It’s the community that made us as popular as we are, and we share the sadness of the community in this news.

“If we have given you great food, great service and made you feel welcomed, then we have done our jobs. We were never just a pub. We were a home to many people.

“To all our customers, with two legs or four, we can only say you have all been wonderful and have given us many happy memories.

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Inside The Black Prince, when it was previously open.

“You will be missed beyond measure. We hope to see as many of you as possible before the doors close, the chairs are put up, and the candles blown out for one final time.”

The Black Prince is set to reopen in spring 2027. (Image: Google Maps)

Now, the pub is being renovated with an opening date set for 2027, and a new website has been launched.

Frequently asked questions are listed there with answers provided to locals about what kind of guise the pub will return in.

A statement said: “Building works are scheduled to start in 2026, subject to planning approval and conditions, with careful planning to minimise disruption to the local community.

“We anticipate that the pub will be fully renovated and the extension completed in time for a spring 2027 opening.

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The Black Prince pub in 2026. (Image: Newsquest)

“This timeline allows for high-quality construction, landscaping, and commissioning, ensuring that the pub and its facilities are ready to welcome residents and visitors safely and comfortably.”

One question raised was whether the renovated pub and hotel rooms would be expensive and aimed only at high-end visitors.

A pub spokesperson said: “No – affordability is central to our approach.

“The pub will continue to offer reasonably priced food and drink so that it remains accessible to local residents as well as visitors.

“The focus is on good-quality, seasonal produce at fair prices, not exclusivity. In the same way, the hotel rooms will be priced competitively within the local market, offering comfortable accommodation that is welcoming to a wide range of guests.

“This approach not only ensures the pub remains a genuine community venue, but also supports local tourism by attracting visitors who contribute to Woodstock’s wider economy, benefiting nearby shops, cafés, and services.”