CUSTOMERS old and new are raising a toast after two West Oxfordshire pubs threw open their doors once again after being closed for years.

The Wychwood Cotswold Inn, formerly known as the Red Horse, in Shipton-under-Wychwood, is trading once more after a major refurbishment programme, while the Swan Inn in nearby Ascott-under-Wychwood is again becoming a regular watering hole for villagers.

Paul Hunt, landlord of the Wychwood Cotswold Inn, said: “We opened in June, which was later than originally planned because we lost about five weeks in winter and spring.

“The snow and frost made it too difficult for the builders.”

In a bid to attract new custom as well as appeasing traditional drinkers, Mr Hunt has introduced a modern wine bar on one side of the pub, while retaining the original bar from the Red Horse on the other.

Bar manager Kerry Harding said: “We have got the best of both worlds. All the old regulars have come back, even with their personalised mugs, which I now keep for them behind the bar, where they used to be.”

The building was previously owned by pub chain Enterprise Inns and was sold to the new owners in September 2012 having been closed for four years.

The cost of the refurbishment has not been disclosed, but 15 jobs have been created. Mr Hunt said: “We have completely refurbished the pub and there are five double rooms available for guests upstairs.

“We’ve been busy throughout the week – people seem to be impressed.

Pub regular John Carpenter said: “I’ve been a regular at this pub for more than 40 years, so it’s brilliant to see it open again. They’ve kept the bar traditional and refurbished things without changing them too much.

“Plus, the dartboard is back which is great news for everyone.”

The Swan Inn, which has been closed since June 2010, is now owned by Richard Haddon and Michiel Verkoren, who have recruited eight staff.

Mr Verkoren said: “We’ve had wonderful support from the village and local people seem very happy with the pub. It’s lovely to see people coming in, meeting each other and chatting. The patronage is very good.”