The Greene King-owned pub in St Clement’s closed this summer and has now reopened, with Jonathan Perritt in charge.

He is an experienced pub operator and also runs a number of pubs in London.

READ MORE: Amazing history of five of Oxford’s oldest pubs

Mr Perritt said: “The Port Mahon has a tremendous history and we want to welcome everyone.

“Running pubs you get to meet all sorts – postmen, politicians, professors and everyone in between.”

(Image: Andy Ffrench) A Greene King spokesman said: “After a £190,000 investment we are delighted to share that The Port Mahon is back open and will now be run independently by our partners Jonathan and Renee Perritt.

“The pub will pride itself on a premium offer combining great beers with locally sourced food and fresh cooking.”

Mr Perritt added that money has been invested in the kitchen and the cellar, and there is new decking outside.

(Image: Andy Ffrench) “The emphasis is on offering great drinks and great food – it’s simple seasonal food,” he said.

“Music is important to our business, but there won’t be live music on a regular basis. There might be occasional performances in the garden.”

In recent years the pub has hosted live music shows.

(Image: Andy Ffrench) Dave Richardson, of the Oxford branch of real ale group CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), is the author of the book Oxford Pubs.

He said: “It’s always good to see any pub company investing in its properties, and we hope the Port Mahon will regain its place as a real ale venue in a restoration which acknowledges the long history of this building dating from 1710.

“Unusually, it has had the same name throughout its existence as it commemorates a naval battle in Mahon, Menorca, in 1708 in which the British gained control of the Spanish island from the French. 

(Image: Andy Ffrench) “There was another battle in 1756 that the British actually lost, but how many people would know that mayonnaise was invented when the victorious French commander ordered a banquet and the chef created this tangy sauce?”

The pub is open from 4pm to 11pm from Tuesday to Friday, and from noon to 11pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Sunday roast dinners are launching this Sunday.

One of the bar snacks referencing the pub’s history is chips and Mahon mayo costing £5, while mains include Flat Iron Chicken, garlic jus and chips (£18.50), pan fried sea bream £22.50), and cheeseburger and chips (£16.50).

Estrella Galicia beer will be served, together with cask ales provided by Chiltern and Loddon breweries.

The pub’s neighbours are now being invited to call in and enjoy some bar snacks on the house when they order a drink.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

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