A NEWLY reopened pub in Wantage has given locals a King’s welcome at its reopening party.

The Kings Arms, which will now specialise in real ale and gin, hosted the event on Thursday evening.

Oxfordshire brewers Oak Taverns have taken over the venue, whose future had been in some doubt for two years.

The Wallingford Street boozer is now aiming to market itself as a real ‘drinking pub’ – leading a local beer group to label the town ‘a real ale Mecca’ last month.

Manager Stuart Fanson said: “Our opening night was really successful: it was a great atmosphere and people were excited and impressed with the range of gins, and how we had changed the look and feel of the pub.”

Emma Stevenson, creative director for Oak Taverns, added: “I’ve designed the pub in a way that there is something for everyone, whether it’s a cosy snug with a log fire, industrial high stools or beautiful gardens to bring the family and enjoy the sunshine.

“We have our own craft lager called Saxon King, a Wantage brewery lager made in collaboration with XT brewery in Long Crendon. We also have six real ciders poured straight from the box and six rotating real ales, including one from the Thame brewery.”

Peter and Trudy Lambert are the new landlords, with a number of jobs still up for grabs - anyone interested is asked to email emailkingsarms@oaktaverns.co.uk.

Oak Taverns, which took over from Greene King, is an award-winning Thame-based family business which runs 16 other venues.

Director Simon Collinson said the new King's Arms was 'well-received by the people of Wantage'.

He also said the team were looking to introduce a weekly quiz and support any local groups that may want to try and meet there, and in due course were hoping to expand their gin collection, which is already at 50 varieties.

The owners said they were planning a micro brewery called the Wantage Brewery in the outbuildings.

Mr Collinson added: "We already feel a part of the local community and Wantage has so far welcomed us with open arms.

"We are so excited about being a part of this great town.”