The former White House has changed hands whereas Greene King has invested in the Port Mahon
The former White House pub on Abingdon Road, Oxford re-opened on time on September 6, after new operator Dodo Pub Co put its own mark on the property with an internal and external refresh. The former Wadworth and Tap Social pub caused a bit of a stir when Dodo decided to change its name, but this happens at all its pubs including the three in Oxford which all changed their identities to the Rusty Bicycle, Rickety Press and Up in Arms.
Most of the changes at the Slow & Steady are inside, but the large patio area to the rear and at the side has also been revamped. Inside the pub has a bright new look, and its upstairs function room has gained table football and other games while leaving the main upstairs space, which is partly lined with books, available for hire. Manager is Mike Carne who moved from a Dodo pub in Cheltenham.
The pub is free of tie, and the three hand pumps on opening were serving Little Ox Wipeout, Arkell’s Wiltshire Gold and Cotswold Cider Co’s Yellowhammer. The keg ale selection is strong, and features several beers by Tap Social which had built up a good following during its three years running the pub. Menu choices follow other Dodo pubs, informal in style and based on burgers, pizzas and chicken wings, plus brunch. Food is available to take away or for delivery.
The Slow & Steady motif, featuring a hare and tortoise, is followed throughout. The pub’s architect when built in 1897 was Henry Hare, who also designed Oxford Town Hall.
A couple of weeks after the Slow & Steady re-opened it was the turn of the Port Mahon on St Clement’s Street, which had also been closed over the summer. Greene King has spent £190,000 on a refresh of the 18th century building’s interior, and it is being run by Jonathan and Renee Perritt who also operate pubs in London.
Fortunately for real ale drinkers there appears to be a policy of allowing guest beers here, with Chiltern (Beechwood Bitter) and Loddon beers among the first to be offered. Food includes flat iron chicken and Sunday roasts. The pub also has outside space where live music may be performed, but there are no plans to bring back live music in an upstairs room that the Port Mahon used to be famous for.