Dodo brings portfolio up to 9 sites
![Keys to the door: Dodo Pub Co boss Leo Johnson](/var/wrbm_gb_hospitality/storage/images/_aliases/wrbm_large/publications/hospitality/morningadvertiser.co.uk/operators/ma-leaders-club/dodo-pub-company-takes-on-ninth-pub/6374014-1-eng-GB/Dodo-Pub-Company-takes-on-ninth-pub.jpg)
The move brings the company’s estate up to nine in total, with four across Oxford, and the company has plans to give the pub a fresh identity, reopening it in September with a new name, the Slow and Steady.
The company said it would work closely with the previous owners, Tap Social, to “continue championing the independent spirit of the Grandpont and New Hinksey neighbourhoods” of Oxford.
The free-of-tie site will aim to offer 15 beers on tap, from Tap Social, and its own Dodo Beers brewed for the company by Arkell’s in Swindon – which is huge supporter of Cask Ale Week, as well as a rolling selection of craft lagers and IPAs.
Slow-rise pizzas
Alongside the beers, Dodo will bring its popular menu offering signature burgers, “authentic slow-rise” Neapolitan pizzas, weekend brunches and a wide range of sides.
Dodo’s co-founder Leo Johnson said: “We’re excited to launch our fourth Oxford site in a new part of town.
“In standard Dodo style, you can expect an exciting revamp of the interiors and garden that will be both sympathetic to the architecture of the building while also bringing that Dodo vibe.
“We look forward to continuing where Tap Social left off; creating an awesome neighbourhood pub with a strong sense of community.”
Refurbishment work is set to get under way with plans to open the Slow & Steady by early September 2024 and the move is expected to create around 15 new jobs.
Cross Hands
In March last year, Dodo Pub Company announced it had acquired the Cross Hands in Fishponds, Bristol.
Johnson said at the time: “We’ve been wanting to find the right place for a Dodo pub in Bristol for several years now.
“Two of us lived there for a while and we all love its vibrancy and the feeling of inclusion that seems to permeate the city.
“It’s got a great mix of pubs, bars and restaurants, and we firmly believe that our neighbourhood vibe will fit right in.”