Oxford’s live music scene has received a welcome boost thanks to the restoration of the once legendary Jericho Tavern. A decade on from being consigned to the theme pub wasteland, what is currently known as the Jericho is going back to its roots as the city’s indie haven of the 90s and from 27th April will no longer trade under the ‘It’s a Scream’ banner.
This is bound to please Oxford dons Radiohead, whose early gigs at the venue helped put them on the path for super stardom. Originally called ‘On a Friday’, Radiohead made their debut at the Jericho Tavern in 1987 and four years later, the all-important record company A&Rs flocked to the very same spot to snap up the promising five-piece.
The Jericho Tavern was also instrumental in turning Supergrass from Oxford scamps to Britpoppers extraordinaire. The band got signed to Parlophone after wowing a veritable herd of A&Rs at a Jericho Tavern gig back in 1994.
Of course, no mention of Oxford’s music scene would be complete without the original shoe-gazers, Ride. They were the first to benefit from the Jericho Tavern’s winning streak by signing to Creation following a few gigs at the pub in the early 90s.
Now, indie die-hards and indie kids alike can follow in their heroes’ hallowed footsteps by checking out the lovingly restored Jericho Tavern. Taking pride of place in the upstairs room where many a local band has played over the years is a giant hand-painted mural of Radiohead, Supergrass and the much-missed champion of new music – John Peel.
The Jericho Tavern will be open from 12pm-11pm Monday to Wednesday, an hour extra ’til midnight Thursday to Saturday and until 10.30pm on Sundays. Food is served until 10pm Sunday – Wednesday and until midnight Thursday to Sunday. Sunday roasts with all the trimmings are served all day Sunday.
Jericho Tavern,
56 Walton Street,
Oxford OX2 6AZ
(from myoxford.net. thanks to Keir)