The Watermans Arms, Oxford.

[the_wanderer]

Hi all.

Just to let you all know that The Watermans Arms on the riverbank adjacent Osney Lock is now closed.

Henry Dean, the licencee has sold the lease and the pub is now to be refurbished. Hopefully not to be wrecked!

This always was a good watering hole and from my experience good food was available. I think it was difficult for Henry to step in the shoes of Ray, the previous licencee. However, despite Henry's sometimes off putting comments he did his best and worked very long hours to serve his customers and despite all set backs such as the Osney Lock footbridge disaster which wrecked his trade.

Over the past seven years that he had the pub I grew to like his quirky and sometimes off putting comments. Deep down, he had a heart of gold, bless him.

Happy retirement Henry. You deserve it.

 

[Louis Jankel]

The Waterman's Arms

I gather the new owners want to re-name it "The PunT" after their other establishment in Cambridge.

 

[Gumpy]

Thanks for the tip
Stopped above Ifley tonight
Food and beer excellent at Isis Farm
Would have been upset had I gone above Osney and found the pub closed

 

[the_wanderer]

Not the place for punts

I gather the new owners want to re-name it "The PunT" after their other establishment in Cambridge.

OH NO! Probably another good homely watering hole ruined and full of hooray henries. Think I will use Wetherspoons next trip.

Regards.

Alan.

 

[Louis Jankel]

Sorry, Update. The pub will now be know as

"The Punter" formerly The Waterman's Arms and yes it is to be a "gastro" pub.

 

[Louis Jankel]

Sorry, Update. The pub will now be know as

"The Punter formerly The Waterman's Arms" and yes it is to be a "gastro" pub.

 

[oldgit]

and yes it is to be a "gastro" pub.

Provided to pricves are OK.....Good ..most people want somewhere to get something decent to eat,not a bloke only retreat with beer soaked swirly nylon carpet and a wide choice of peanut .

 

[bendyone]

Have stopped there for a Sunday lunch in the past - good value. Used to use the Trout upriver but the prices got a bit silly £10 for a burger! Also the Perch has changes so much after the fires we dont stop there either.

 

[the_wanderer]

Try the other pubs in Wolvercote.

Have stopped there for a Sunday lunch in the past - good value. Used to use the Trout upriver but the prices got a bit silly £10 for a burger! Also the Perch has changes so much after the fires we dont stop there either.

There are a number of quite good pubs if you stretch your legs a bit up in the village. If you walk over the rail bridge and turn right there is a decent pub with realistic prices.

I was a rich man once until I went in The Trout! Lol.

Make sure you lock your boat up as the kids there are little b......s. One was stolen from there a couple of weeks ago and taken down to Abingdon for a joy ride.

 

[Louis Jankel]

Henry could be a bit of an "OLD GIT" but HE had charm.
The floor is fast becoming stone - even as I speak/write.

 

[Loggo]

Went there once.

I obviously lack the deep awareness and tolerance of others you guys have 'cos the landlord really brassed me off.

Never went there again

 

[Jaysay]

What a shame - it was a good old-fashioned pub and Henry certainly put the time in.
A 'gastropub' would be good, but only if it did not bring noise and anti-social behaviour late at night - despite the urban setting, Osney has always been a quiet and safe mooring (for me at any rate).

 

[the_wanderer]

Long hours.

Yes Henry certainly did put the time in. I have moored outside the pub many times and seen Henry cleaning and tidying the place in the early morning. Despite the fact that he was in a lot of pain from his back he still slogged on. He may have been a bit grumpy at times but I have been grumpy for much less reasons.

That must have been the boxer in him bless him.

Regards.

Alan.

 

[rob howard]

Does anyone know where Henry has gone?

His old Boxing team is organising a reunion dinner and he should be the guest of honour - but we're not sure where he's moved on to!

Any leads gratefully received!

Best,

--Rob

 

[bendyone]

Now called the Punter, went there 2 weeks ago but a bit upmarket for me, but quite full on a Sunday lunchtime.

 

[the_wanderer]

I will give it a miss next time.

Hi all.

I visited The Punter on my last trip and it served expensive food in portions that would not keep a sparrow alive. The beer was good but now at average prices for the area. I received filthy looks from the people behind the bar for requesting the seriously short measure of beer to be topped up!

However, I will not be going there again since, as I predicted, it is full of hooray henries. Basically they do not want older people there.

Henry I have been told is living in Botley. I know he had a deep interest in the young amateur boxers he helped to steer off the streets so I think he would be pleased to go to the reunion.

Regards.

Alan.