Strattons nightclub closed in 2012 and Results gym moved into part of the space at the building in Ock Street.
Now a new pub, The Earl of Abingdon has opened in a large space on the ground floor.
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The pub is being run by Andrew Fudge and Kylie Buckle, who were previously in charge of The Grapes in the town’s High Street.
Ms Buckle said the pub had enjoyed a busy first week.
(Image: Andy Ffrench) She said: “We have got off to a good start – it’s really exciting to move to a new place.
“There were quite a few people in to watch the England game and we had some live music at the weekend.
“We have lots of very loyal customers who have been with us at The Grapes but we want to expand that so we welcome new people as well.”
There are lots of big screens showing sport including screens in a special sports bar room behind the main bar.
Ms Buckle added: “We have three darts teams and three crib teams.
“We are working on getting some bar snacks and looking at the possibility of bringing in a food truck.”
“There’s a meat draw on Sunday afternoon and we can show lots of different sports.”
Ms Buckle and Mr Fudge are running the pub with a business partner.
Mr Fudge said earlier: “The Earl of Abingdon is a real title and we thought it would be a good name for the new pub.
“We want it to be a modern take on the English pub, with a sports bar and live music – a place where people can come and relax.
“We think it’s in a good location – there aren’t many residents living nearby.
“We have no desire to be a nightclub – there won’t be a dedicated dance space but there will be live music.”
Mr Fudge said the pub would be open seven days a week, closing at midnight from Sunday to Thursday, with the possibility of staying open until 2am on Friday and Saturday.
The pub could supply some beers from the town’s Loose Cannon brewery.
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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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