The King’s Head in Woodstock will reopen this summer following a £350,000 refurbishment.

The pub on Park Lane, which will have been closed for two years, will reopen on August 14.

Some 20 new full and part-time jobs will be created and the pub will become a locals’ pub with wine bar and restaurant.

It will be renamed The Back Lane Tavern, its historic name which many locals already use.

Building work will begin at the start of July reconfiguring the interior to make the bar more accessible. A new commercial kitchen is also being installed to allow the pub to serve small tapas-style plates with gastro Italian, Indian and Chinese options.

Heineken-owned Star Pubs and Bars said the style of the pub will be traditional country with a modern twist.

The large south facing courtyard garden will be upgraded and extended, increasing capacity to 100.

New licensee Chris Brewster is a former account manager at Majestic Wine and there will be an extensive choice of drinks.

thisisoxfordshire: New landlord Chris Brewster

He is also considering hosting acoustic guitar and jazz in the wine bar once the business is established.

The Black Lane Tavern is Mr Brewster’s second pub with Star Pubs and Bars.

He also runs The Duke of Marlborough, outside Woodstock, and took on both pubs during the pandemic.

The Duke of Marlborough has also undergone an extensive refurbishment and is now open.

Before taking on the pubs Mr Brewster managed the King’s Arms Hotel in Woodstock.

He said: “I grew up in Combe, lived in Woodstock for 12 years and worked in the town for two years and so have a real appreciation of what local residents want.”

General manager will be Hugo Kelly, who lives locally and has worked for a number of hospitality venues in and around Woodstock, and Mr Brewster’s former business partner at The Unicorn in Deddington, Johnny Parke, is head chef.

He added: “When the lease for The Back Lane Tavern came up, I leapt at the chance to take it on as I knew it well and could see its potential. It is a bit tired and needs a new direction. For those in the know, it has got the best garden space in Woodstock and is the only place where you can enjoy the evening sun.

“I am really looking forward to both pubs opening as they will look fantastic and there will be a real feelgood factor in the air. The food will be different – it’s more street food at The Duke of Marlborough - but the style, service and atmosphere will be similar.”