Couple leave Red Lion pub due to cost of living crisis

Ian and Lisa Neale have run the 17th century Red Lion at Northmoor, off the A415 between Abingdon and Witney, for 10 successful years.

The award-winning pub was bought from Greene King by the local community in 2014, after villagers raised tens of thousands of pounds to secure its future.

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'Hefty increases' in utility bills and supplies has prompted the couple to move on and try something new.

Writing on Facebook, they said last year: "We are sorry to announce that we have made the very difficult decision not to renew it (the tenancy).

"It is very unusual for pub tenants to stay for 10 years, and we have had an amazing time at The Red Lion, a beautiful pub in a truly special community.

"It hasn’t been easy for anyone in the hospitality business, with the devastating effect of the pandemic and the hefty increases in the costs of utilities and supplies in recent months. So for us it’s time to move on."

The Red Lion has beamed ceilings and log fires, a beer garden set among the trees and a vegetable patch which provides fresh fruit and vegetables for the menus.

Three ensuite shepherd's huts were installed in 2019 to offer bed and breakfast at the site close to the Thames Pathway.

Earlier this month villagers got together to give the couple a good send-off.

Shareholders and locals alike raised some money for them to be spent on a voucher for a luxury weekend in London, and presented them with a painting by a local artist.

Shareholder Graham Shelton led the many accolades to Mr and Mrs Neale and praised the local community and shareholders for their support over the last 10 glorious years. 

The couple won The Muddy Stilettos Award, for Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire in 2022 for the best destination pub, and many other awards including several years in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide.

When Mr and Mrs Neale announced their departure last year they thanked their 'super, amazing team, past and present who have and continue to work really hard'.

They also thanked 'The Northmoor Lion Board, who are a tremendous support to us, the people of Northmoor and all our loyal customers, friends and family and suppliers who have been on this journey with us from the start.'

The pub is currently closed until further notice as the search for new tenants continues.

To contact The Northmoor Lion Committee please email northmoorlion@gmail.com.