A CLOSED down pub, which was due to reopen tomorrow, will now welcome customers early next month after a delay over its lease.

Last month residents were delighted when an unnamed Oxford entrepreneur announced he was going to reopen the White House in Botley Road, West Oxford, following a £200,000 facelift.

The pub had been closed for two years.

After the lease was bought for the Punch Taverns pub, contractors were hired to refurbish the interior and lay decking in the garden.

But work halted for three weeks while last-minute discussions continued with the brewery regarding the lease.

The discussion meant work had to stop, but the situation has now been resolved, putting paid to rumours that the pub would never reopen.

Chris Proudfoot, 37, a project manager overseeing the pub’s refurbishment for the businessman, said: “It was disappointing when we had to stop work because we were making good progress and it would have been nice to open in the middle of a heatwave.”

The White House was boarded up for almost two years after closing in 2007 and quickly became a magnet for flyposting and graffiti.

Last year, the Solidaire group was due to take over the pub and bring in Middle Eastern cuisine, but the deal fell through without explanation.

Mick Harris, who runs neighbouring Mick’s Cafe in Botley Road, said: “Customers noticed that the work had stopped and were worried the pub wouldn’t be opening after all.

“I’m glad to see the work has started again.”

Rob Kirchmann, 30, of Abbey Road, who is completing an MBA degree at the Said Business School, said: “I’m pleased the work is going to be finished soon.

“It really will be an awesome place to come for a drink – especially outside in the summer.”

James McKinlay, who works at Avis car rental firm in Abbey Road, said: “I’m really looking forward to having a drink there.”

Last night, Punch Taverns spokesman Jo Sandall confirmed that any outstanding issues regarding the lease had been resolved.

She added: “We are in the final stages of completing an agreement, and look forward to helping the licensee build a successful and sustainable business that is a credit to the local community.”