After two years of closure Oriel College’s bar has re-opened following extensive renovations. The refurbishment faced several challenges, including issues with the keg system and the discovery of Saxon remains.
Theo Elliott, Oriel’s Bar Representative, told Cherwell that “Oriel is so back” following the reopening, with staff fighting “tooth and nail” to ensure its success.
Elliott described the bar as “large, but still quite cozy, with space for people to sit even on busy nights, and a nice dance floor for which we had to sacrifice a pool table”. He added that “spirits are high” now that Oriel students no longer “have to finesse invitations to other colleges”.
The bar’s first two nights saw an open bar, with free drinks for students. The College also plans to host an alumni drinks evening in November to mark the bar’s completion.
Whilst Oriel’s MCR bar was open during the renovations, its limited opening times – three days per week – meant that most students looked to other colleges for their evening entertainment.
Lord Mendoza, Provost of Oriel College told Cherwell: “The opening of our redesigned and extended beer cellar is a wonderful thing. The project to transform our heritage estate, which includes the beer cellar, is of lasting value for Oriel and will stand for generations to come. The experience of dining, living, and studying in this historic environment is part of what makes being a student here incomparable to anything else. It’s proved a complex, but necessary series of works – not least the discovery of Saxon defensive archaeology beneath the bar!
“The professionalism and skill of all our staff was exemplary. Our students have been patient and understanding. Of course, we work closely with our JCR to ensure the best experience in these stunning places. To see intense student life flood back to the first bop was an exhilarating moment.”
The bar’s new design incorporates energy-efficient features such as secondary glazing and low-energy lighting, supporting a more sustainable future.
Elliott remarked that whilst the decorations are “yet to be fully finished”, big things should be expected. He called on the “people of Oxford” to carry the heaviest burden which he said “is to drink the bar dry”, adding “Glory to Oriel”.
