The bar is expected to open in time for the festive period. Jean-Pierre Morilleau, the General Manager at Oxford Castle, said that “the new letting represented the evolvement of the post-recession stage in underlining the Castle’s role as Oxford’s premier pleasure destination. The “Swan and Castle” will offer a variety of great value food and drink to Castle visitors. Along with a programme of ongoing events this will contribute to ensure that there is something for everyone at the Castle. The letting to the UK’s most popular and successful bar operator demonstrates confidence in the location and its investment in a major refit will be attractive to its patrons”.

“The unrivalled financial status of the Company alongside its growing popularity and reputation, will swell the visitor numbers. Already the only available restaurant at the Castle Site, which follows the collapse of Tootsies, is attracting interest from other restaurateurs and it is expected that a re-letting of the fully fitted restaurant will soon be announced. In the meantime, all of the existing restaurants at the Site have recorded record bookings for the Christmas celebrations. The Malmaison – the most popular hotel in Oxford - continues to attract more than 80% occupancy and has a full programme and bookings for the Christmas celebrations”.