Beloved North Adelaide pub to call last drinks
A North Adelaide favourite will close its doors on Sunday, with the owners to honour their late daughter who died of cancer in May 2022.
Publicans of The Oxford Hotel Grant and Anastasia Murray are raising money over the final weekend to go to cancer charity, the Childhood Cancer Association.
The pair, who have owned the pub for the past eight years, lost their five-year-old Mira to a rare brain tumour.
“Mira made everyone around her smile wherever she went. She was pure joy from the moment she was born, sadness just wasn’t a part of her DNA,” Anastasia said.
“I used to look at her often as a baby and young child and say quietly ‘Who are you?’, because there was something very special about her. When she was diagnosed, I knew in my heart it’s because she truly was a bright soul, only meant to be here for a short time.
“She never complained. It was almost miraculous how well she handled treatment.
“Even close to the end, she would put her fingers into a peace sign constantly, wanting everyone else not to feel sad. Smiling wide, as if to say, please, be happy, I just want everyone to live life and be happy.”
The O’Connell St pub was originally built in 1859 and has a storied history in the area. The owners of the pub say they are in a “legal dispute” with building’s owners, the Makris Group, over the terms and conditions of their association with the establishment.
“Sadly, because of this, we have now had to accept that our original vision for The Oxford will never come to fruition. This matter is now before the courts, a process we trust along with our excellent legal team, and hope we receive a fair and speedy resolution,” Anastasia said.
Grant said the couple were proud of what they have achieved.
“There is so very much to celebrate. We’re especially sad to say goodbye to the wonderful relationships with our staff and our wonderful regulars,” he said.
“I will always be grateful for the support given to us by staff and customers at the time of our daughter’s illness and passing.”
Jonathan Jackson, 18th September 2023
