7:27pm Monday 7th December 2009
FIFTEEN jobs have been created with the refurbishment of a historic pub in Thame.
The James Figg, formerly the Abingdon Arms in Cornmarket, has been given a £150,000 makeover by the Peach Pub Company, which also owns The Thatch in the town.
Peach co-founder Hamish Stoddart said: “It’s been a major project for us and makes a great new watering hole in town.
“As well as that, Thame was in need of somewhere to hold smaller functions and community events.”
The pub is named after James Figg, England’s first undisputed champion boxer, who is believed to have lived in the building during the 18th century. His portrait now hangs at the bar.
Frazer Sutherland, who runs The Thatch in Thame, will also be overseeing The James Figg, with manager Tony Lindsell behind the bar.
Mr Sutherland said: “We thought James Figg was such a great local character that he deserved honouring in his home town. We think if he came back to the pub today, it is somewhere he would enjoy holding court.”
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