DRINKERS bade farewell to an Oxford pub which is closing for refurbishment to turn it into a restaurant.

Last orders were called at The Red Lion in Gloucester Street on Saturday after the decision by owners the Premium Country Dining Group.

Outgoing manager Richard Heap said the change will be good for the city.

He said: “It’s obviously sad to be going and I’ve had an amazing time here.

“But the new owners think a change in direction to a more food-led operation is what the business needs. It will be a very different place to before. It will be unrecognisable to most people because it will be offering an entirely different service.

“The place will be more of an eating house than a restaurant, with drinkers still welcome.

“However, it will be very much aimed at diners. I think it will do well in Oxford.”

The building dates back to the early 20th century, when it replaced an earlier Red Lion.

It later took the name Oxford Bakery and Brewhouse, becoming the Fuggle and Firkin in 1995 before changing to The Goose five years later. The pub returned to its original name in 2008 under Mitchell and Butlers.

Among Saturday’s visitors was Rachel North, 26, of Bicester, who said: “A lot of people used to come here at the beginning of the night for the slightly cheaper drinks.

“But now there are two Wetherspoons pubs just down the road, they seem to have taken that particular part of the market.

“It’s a shame.”

Sam Oakley, 22, of Headington, added: “I think it’s a shame that they are proposing yet another restaurant.

“It’s nice in the summer because it has a garden.

“But to be honest the pub has changed so much recently I don’t think anyone will be too upset.”