Oxford-based Dodo Pub Co is taking over Tap Social‘s beloved neighbourhood pub The White House on Abingdon Road, it has been announced, while keeping its community focus intact.
Dodo, which currently manages four Oxfordshire pubs (The Rusty Bicycle in East Oxford, the Up In Arms in Marston and the Rickety Press in Jericho and The Part & Parcel in Witney) and eight overall in the region, plans to to reopen the Abingdon Road pub in early September, with a full interior and exterior revamp, as well as a quirky name change.
Tap Social opened The White House in 2021, a year later than planned due to the pandemic, transforming the dilapidated pub into a wonderful local hostelry aimed at welcoming the community. READ ABOUT IT HERE
Tap Social co-founder Paul Humpherson says: “While it’s tough to part with this amazing building and its wonderful regulars, we have big plans for the future and we’re excited to see what Dodo does with the space. We’re also thrilled to have them not only pouring our beer, but also helping advance our mission of community and inclusion.
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However he did add: “This announcement is of course tinged with sadness. We’ve created so many good memories here, and created thousands of hours of paid employment for prison leavers since we took over the pub during the pandemic.”
For Dodo Co-founder Leo Johnson, it’s an exciting development and he is keen to carry on the Tap ethos: “We’re looking forward to continuing where Tap Social left off; creating an awesome neighbourbood pub with a strong sense of community,” he confirms.
“It’s exciting to launch our fourth Oxford site in a new part of town,” he adds. “In standard Dodo style, you can expect that’ll nod to the history of the building and surrounding area.”
Dodo also confirmed its commitment to Tap Social’s ethos of social inclusion and employment opportunities for those who need them most.
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“As two local independents with firm roots in the Oxford community, we both pride ourselves on building and running fun, inclusive venues where all are welcome,” Paul and Leo add.
“So the focus on serving the local community remains the same, and Dodo Pub Co’s winning formula of great food and craft beer under their slogan ‘Neighbourhood Pubs’ will without question carry on and build upon what Tap Social accomplished at this location.”
“Everyone on the Tap Social team would like to thank all of our customers for their support over the years. We look forward to seeing everyone at our taproom, The Market Tap inside The Covered Market, Proof Social Bakehouse, and Lock29… and stay tuned for updates on new projects later this year.”
Oxford boys Leo Johnson and Chris Manners opened their first pub The Rusty Bicycle in 2009 after returning to their hometown from university. The pair aimed to revive a down and out boozer on the back streets of East Oxford.
Watch this space for further developments go to Tap Social Movement: http://eepurl.com/c5s6T9 or Dodo at https://dodopubs.com/the-white-house/
