“It’s a total transformation”- The New Oxford gets Victorian look in major renovation

The New Oxford pub in Salford has reopened after a renovation costing “hundreds of thousands”, taking it back to how it might have looked in Victorian times.

It reopened on Friday February 16 after being closed for three weeks to undergo the transformation.

Tim Flynn, who has worked at the iBexley Square pub for 17 years, explained the changes made: “We have taken it right back in time into a grandiose type of Victorian pub, the high ceilings, chandeliers, very good beer range. Before we were stuck in that market between pub and bar.”

The new furnishings are typical of a 19th century pub and the refurbishment of the back room enables the pub to host events, parties and meetings.

Tim said: “We will be doing beer festivals in the future, and in a couple of weeks’ time we will be doing music every Friday in the evening. It will be a good sing-along, good pub music, get one man in on a guitar to create that extra little bit of extra atmosphere.”

Talking about the future of the pub, Tim added: “I am hoping that it will safeguard the New Oxford for the next generation. We hope it safeguards the future for many years to come”.

He said the refurbishment had cost “a significant amount. In the hundreds of thousands”.

The initial opening weekend was a roaring success for the pub with many regulars returning.  “The weekend was absolutely fantastic, very busy and a great array of people. It has really gone down well the renovation. The New Oxford has always been known as a community pub .”

The New Oxford has over 40 draught beers and ciders, of which 20 are real ale. It also has a stunning selection of continental lagers, fruit beers and a wide range of ciders with a special selection of draught Belgian ales.

There are over 100 Belgian and Trappist bottled beers including beers from Achel, Rochfort, Westmalle, Het Anker and Watou.

The pub opened in 1822 and was a winner of the community pub award from the all-party parliamentary beer group in 2011.

To find out more information about the changes you can visit The New Oxford Facebook page here.