Historic North Adelaide pub The Oxford Hotel to close, farewell party to honour the owners’ late daughter Mira Murray

A beloved North Adelaide pub is closing its doors, with money raised over its final weekend going to a charity to honour its owner’s daughter, who died of cancer.

Publicans Grant and Anastasia Murray will honour their late daughter when they call last drinks at The Oxford Hotel for the final time on Sunday.

The couple, who have owned the North Adelaide institution for the past eight years, lost their courageous five-year-old Mira to a rare brain tumour in May 2022.

This weekend’s Oxford farewell party, which comes after a dispute with the building’s owners, will raise funds for the Childhood Cancer Association, a charity which remains close to their hearts.

“They were there from the start of what was a horrific journey. They continue to be there for us and countless other families,” Anastasia said.

She said their beloved daughter – who was diagnosed with atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumour in January 2021 – would be happy to know they were giving back to a wonderful organisation.

Understandably, it’s still difficult to talk about Mira but Anastasia said she “deserved a moment to shine”.

“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,” she 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.

The Oxford Hotel owners Anastasia and Grant Murray, with their twin daughters Mira and Gigi. Mira, 5, passed away from a rare brain tumour last year. Picture: Supplied.

Mira, 5, passed away from a rare brain tumour last year. Picture: Supplied.

“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.”

Emotions will be running high for the Murrays on Sunday, as they say goodbye to the O’Connell St pub, which was originally built in 1859.

The couple say they are in a “legal dispute” with the owners of the building, 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 while there was sadness over the closure, they remain proud of what they have accomplished over the past eight years.

“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.”

Big Bang Last Drinks Weekend, The Oxford Hotel, North Adelaide, September 15-17.

The Oxford Hotel on O'Connell Street, North Adelaide.

The Oxford Hotel, O'Connell Street, North Adelaide.