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The Royal Blenheim in St Ebbes has won the coveted City Pub of the Year title, following a vote by members of the city branch of real ale group CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale).
The St Ebbes hostelry beat The Grapes in George Street into second place, with The Masons Arms in Headington coming third.
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The Grapes won last year, but before that The Royal Blenheim had held the the title since lockdown.
The Royal Blenheim is owned by Everards and managed by Staffordshire-based Titanic Brewery.
The result was announced by CAMRA at a branch meeting at The Jolly Farmers pub earlier this week.
Dave Richardson, a spokesman for the Oxford branch of CAMRA, said: “It’s great to see The Royal Blenheim win its title back.
“The Grapes was a worthy winner last time, and now it’s a worthy runner-up.
“At the Royal Blenheim there is a full range of Titanic beers from dark to amber. There are some bar snacks but it’s not about the food. It’s all about the beer.
“Steven Lyne is one of the best pub managers in the city and he and his staff are always very welcoming to everyone.
“The Masons Arms is outside the city centre but it’s an excellent real ale pub and well worth a visit.”
Mr Lyne said he was delighted The Royal Blenheim now once again holds the Pub of the Year title.
He said: “There were lots of really good pubs on the shortlist and landlords in the city talk much more than they used to.
“We try to stick together at the moment as it’s a difficult time for the pubs trade. The industry is suffering blow after blow from the Government and we need to help each other out to get through these times.”
Mr Lyne added that The Royal Blenheim is having “a brilliant January”, and he is looking forward to next month when the pub will be packed with fans of Six Nations rugby watching the matches on the big screens.
The manager attributed the success of the pub to supplying a good range of beers that are “kept meticulously well”, and creating a welcoming, hospitable atmosphere.
“I often hire chatty bar staff because I know they will engage with customers who come through our door,” Mr Lyne said.
“Everyone is welcome here an d if you get a good welcome then one pint might turn into two or three and you’ll decide to stay for the afternoon.
“But the person who just has a half or a non-alcoholic drink is made to feel just as welcome as the person drinking three or four pints because they will come back again, and bring their friends with them next time.
“I want the pub to be that third space again after home and work, in the same way that some cafes can be.”
