One of Oxford’s oldest pubs faces an uncertain future, with staff potentially at risk of redundancy.

Beerd in George Street, formerly The Grapes, has changed hands after former owners Bath Ales was bought over by St Austell Brewery in the summer.

The company said it is reviewing whether or not its pubs – including Beerd – will continue to be managed or will converted to tenancies, where the pub is owned by St Austell but managed by its tenant landlord.

It comes as Maison Blanc said its Woodstock Road branch is among its restaurants which could close due to restructuring.

St Austell Brewery spokesman Chris Knight said: “St Austell Brewery Company also has a large and well established tenanted estate of more than 160 houses and some of the Bath Ales estate will be converted to tenancies over the coming month or two. 

“The current managers of each of these venues have agreed to remain in situ for the time being to ensure a smooth transition. 

“Although some redundancies may occur as a result of these changes, St Austell Brewery will explore all options for those affected and we will do all we can to avoid redundancies wherever possible.”

A post on Beerd’s Facebook page stressed the pub is currently open for business as usual.

The pub opened as The Grapes in the 1820s before becoming Beerd last year.

Maison Blanc owns patisseries across the county including its Woodstock Road branch.

Spokesman Frankie Reddin said: “Maison Blanc have announced the appointment of Davis Coffer Lyons as specialist advisors as part of a strategic review into its current trading locations.”

The chain was founded by chef Raymond Blanc in 1981 and has a production facility in London.