New owners of controversial Fishponds pub reveal reopening date

The new owners of the Fishponds pub formerly known as The Cross Hands have announced the date for its reopening.

The pub on Staple Hill Road dates from 1853 and closed in February but it has been bought by Oxfordshire company Dodo Pub Co, which has given the venue a new name.

The All Inn will open its doors on Friday, May 19, with a brand new look after a major refurbishment. It will serve a menu featuring ‘dirty’ burgers and slow-rise Neapolitan pizzas.

The All Inn will be creating around 15 new jobs, with the owners currently advertising for managers, chefs and bar staff.

Dodo Pub Co was formed by Oxford’s Leo Johnson and Chris Manners, who opened their first pub, The Rusty Bicycle, in 2009 after returning to their hometown from university.

The change of names for the Fishponds pub has already proven controversial with locals even starting a petition to keep it as the Cross Hands.

And reaction to The All Inn’s launch date announcement has been mixed, with the local community clearly still divided on the new name. A petition was even launched against the idea, and has more than 800 signatures.

Gordon Feaver said: “In my opinion this was a popular pub and didn’t require a name change, a revamp yes, but not losing the historic connection to Fishponds with a name that means nothing to most locals.”

Maria Bird said: “Keep the name! It has 170 years of history. It will ALWAYS be the Cross Hands.” And Grant Bidmead added: “Let’s boycott this place, no need to change the name.”

But the new name also has its supporters. Sharon Dykes said: “People are getting hung up on a name. I’m just glad it will still be a pub and not flats. Wishing the new team all the best.”

John Michael Fallon said: “Good luck to you and I will definitely be in to support you. Perhaps a nod to the old pub name in some way shape or form would appease the naysayers. I for one am really looking forward to this welcome addition to Fishponds.”

But for local Shane Clements, it may take a while for the new name to sink in. He said: “Like Prince, it will be the pub formerly known as the Cross Hands.”