It seems the brothers behind Thorpe Hospitality Group are proving themselves ones to watch in the Sydney pub scene, with the duo confirming the expansion of their business. James and Josh Thorpe of Darlinghurst’s craft beer hub The Taphouse are the proud new owners of the eclectic Oxford Tavern in Petersham.

“The Oxford Tavern has been one of our favourite Inner West venues for a long time,” explains James of the purchase, who also confirmed that the company has no grand plans to alter the drinking hole just yet. “The pub has a rich and colourful history in the area, and whilst we will be refreshing certain elements, it is really important to us that the pub retains its incredible charm,” he says.

But, just like at The Taphouse, the Thorpe’s passion for local and independent breweries will be making itself known, with a planned revamp of the drinks list available at the new addition to their portfolio. Thanks to its location amidst a swarm of Sydney breweries, The Oxford Tavern now has a focus on hyper-local brews – those beers created within a 5-kilometre radius of the pub.

Joining this array will be a handful of drinks created by Thorpe Hospitality Group themselves. “We’d love to brew our own beer for the pub – ridiculous, commercially unviable beers that are tasty and a lot of fun,” says James. “Everything from hazy to barrel aged, sour and even smoked.”

In fact, The Oxford Tavern’s new beer focus is already off to a strong start, with Thorpe Group ready to launch a New England IPA brewed especially with the Petersham haunt in mind. In collaboration with Capital Brewing Co., they have created The Oxford Brewing Racket x Capital Brewing Co. “Hi-Vis” NEIPA (New England India Pale Ale) with mango and turmeric, set to be launched in at the venue on Australia Day.

As for the food, The Oxford Tavern’s famed BBQ will remain, with plans to expand the existing offering. The Taphouse’s much-loved and awarded Sunday roast will also be making a weekly appearance, but with a promised barbecue-based twist. This is not your average roast, expect piles of smoked brisket or pork belly, laden with gravy, roast potatoes, carrots, broccoli and (of course) a Yorkshire pudding.

“We really want The Oxford Tavern to be inclusive and open to all,” says Thorpe Hospitality Group. “The new Tavern will be a venue that doesn’t take itself too seriously – a fun, relaxing environment with fresh, local beer, great food and good times for everyone.”

The Oxford Tavern
New Canterbury Road, Petersham
theoxfordtavern.com.au