The Oxford Blue is one of Oxford’s most quintessential pubs, its name synonymous with the famous running track opposite, where Roger Bannister”s four minute mile.
Having picked up the keys three weeks ago, it’s currently being transformed by the guys from GreenBox, formerly of Green Routes Cafe, and there’s already a massive buzz around the opening in March, as builders rush to get it finished in time. (To pledge in their Kickstarter campaign click here)
So what can we expect? A classic, modern sustainable take with a plant-based, community focused vibe, executive head chef George Lunn‘s wood-fired oven bar menu from Wednesday-Sunday, field to table feasts, local, seasonal sustainable food, their famous Saturday brunch, Sunday roasts, pizzas, craft beer and a supper club.
‘The Oxford Blue is so connected to Oxford as a city and we want to bring it back to life and make it a vibrant city hub’
“I used to walk past it every day on the way to work, and then saw the sign go up when we were looking for venues. As soon as we saw it we knew it was the right venue for us. It just needs a bit of love,” commercial director Charles Howe says.
“The Oxford Blue is so connected to Oxford as a city and we want to bring it back to life and make it a vibrant city hub. So we are really excited about it. It’s a hidden gem with lots of outdoor space and a great garden.”
And having pub experience in Shoreditch, before returning to open Green Routes Cafe on Magdalen Road with their friends from Routes Coffee, they know what to expect.
‘We see it as an exciting journey for the vegan community here while making The Oxford Blue a community pub for everyone’
“It’s a big step because it’s the first time we’ve taken on a full tenancy, and of course there is always a risk when you open somewhere new, but they said we were crazy to take on Green Routes in lockdown and look how that went,” Charles says.
In terms of leaving Green Routes, which is now solely a Routes Coffee venture, Charlie, Ross and Tom had veered away to concentrate on their Greenbox event and contract catering arm, while remaining great friends with Routes.
But missing the hospitality industry the trio began looking for a suitable pub to open. “We love East Oxford and its community and amazing cafes and restaurants, and just want to be part of that and reconnect with our customers. So we’re happy and proud to be opening here. It’s the right move,” Charlie adds.
We love East Oxford, its community and amazing cafes and restaurants, and just want to be part of that’
“We want to run lots of events at The Oxford Blue. We see it as an exciting journey to make The Oxford Blue a community pub for everyone, and we have a great team behind us.”
In terms of their sustainability, while offering a plant-based menu at The Oxford Blue, Charlie says they are open to discussing what sustainability looks like in the future, Greenbox specialising in sustainable eating.
Aiming to open on March 6, the boys are putting in long hours to get it ready in time
Aiming to open on March 6, the boys are putting in long hours to get it ready in time: “The transformation is happening day by day and it’s hard work so we have opened a Kickstarter campaign click here where people can buy merch and book meals and events to help get us there,” Charles adds. “We can’t wait to show people what we are capable of.
“It’s been a while since we were pulling pints, it’s a different game, but we are ready for the challenge.”
The Oxford Blue is at 32 Marston St, Oxford OX4 1JU
