THE pub which helped to launch the careers of legendary Oxford bands Radiohead and Supergrass is getting a makeover.

Radiohead played their first gig in the Jericho Tavern in 1986 under their original name On A Friday while Supergrass secured a record deal after performing a gig there.

Fans who remember seeing the bands starting out fondly recall the basic decor of the music venue upstairs, with sweat dripping off the walls.

Now the pub is being refurbished and manager Michelle Sporle is launching a new menu.

The Jericho Tavern's status as a music venue for up-and-coming bands will continue and it is one of the hosts for the Oxford City Festival, which starts on Monday and runs until Sunday, at venues across the city.

On Saturday, November 25, from 5pm, bands playing at the pub include Strike One, Ennor, Neon Teepee, Mogmatic, Real Cool Killers, Mark Cope and Lost Darren.

More acts, still to be announced, will play the venue on Sunday while other performances will take place at The Cellar and The Wheatsheaf.

Sophie Arnold, a spokeswoman for the pub, said: "The newly refurbished venue perfectly blends stylish and contemporary interior design with classic, original pub features and unique touches displaying some of its famous music culture.

"It is the perfect setting for a cosy catch up, including lunch with friends, after work drinks or to watch your favourite local or touring band."

A launch night event will take place on Thursday from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.

In 2012 Supergrass were honoured with a plaque at the pub from the Performing Rights Society.

It was following a performance by the band at the Jericho Tavern in the mid-1990s when a promoter came rushing into the dressing room after a gig and, referring to a record contract with Parlophone. said: “You’ve got it.”

In 2012, welcoming the plaque, founding member of Supergrass Mick Quinn said of the Jericho Tavern: "Everyone aspired to play the venue back in the day and I remember seeing my brother’s band This Way Up play there as early as 1983."

Other acts to play at The Jericho include Stornoway, Mumford and Sons Bastille, Lianne La Havas and Foals.

The pub was bought out in the 1990s by the Firkin chain and was restored to a music venue in 2005.

It is now owned by Mitchells & Butlers.

In January Jericho was voted the 11th 'hippest' area of the country.