A village pub which closed due to the cost of living crisis is advertising for a new landlord to run it.

The Red Lion in Yarnton, owned by Admiral Taverns, shut in August after the number of customers fell by half.

Landlady Kerry Osborne, who had been running the pub for six years, said the cost of living was a factor in her decision to leave.

READ AGAIN: Bank branches closing in the county in 2023 

She said at the time: "It’s partly the cost of living crisis. Our costs have gone up and revenue is down and the customers are struggling as well.

"We came out of Covid with trade 30 per cent down and it’s now 50 per cent down.

Oxford Mail:

"People are coming in less and drinking less. Some people used to come in every Sunday and drink four or five pints. Now they come in once or twice a week for one or two.

"Most nights we may as well close at 8pm because by then it’s dwindling, everyone goes home. Covid changed people’s habits considerably, and then with the cost of living crisis, no one’s coming out anymore."

Another factor for Ms Osbourne's departure was the pub's company decision to opt for a major refurbishment, which she said would have increased the rent.

"They are changing the dynamic of the pub and that means increasing the rent and I don’t think it is sustainable," she said, before leaving to become the bar manager of the Windrush Club in Witney.

READ AGAIN: Pub famed for collection of boots is under offer

Admiral Taverns said refurbishment of the Cassington Road pub is still being planned.

A spokesperson added: "A Spokesperson from Admiral Taverns said: "The Red Lion in Yarnton is part of our Leased & Tenanted estate and is currently closed whilst we look for a passionate licensee to ensure the long-term successful future of the pub.

"Situated in a large, affluent-friendly village, the traditional pub is just four miles from the historic city of Oxford, and close to World Heritage site, Blenheim Palace.

"The pub offers a fantastic indoor and outdoor area providing a great opportunity for an ambitious individual or couple to embrace the loyal customer base and create a thriving social hub for local residents to enjoy.

Oxford Mail:

"We also have plans to support a new licensee(s) with an investment to ensure the pub continues to sit at the heart of its community. Anyone interested should please get in touch on 01244 321 171."

READ AGAIN: 'Romantic' hotel up for sale for £1.85m

Whoever takes on the tenancy is being asked to contribute £10,000.

Dave Richardson, of the Oxford branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), said it was normal for incoming tenants to pay up front and £10K 'sounded low'.

During Covid, the pub ran a food bank and a weekly information podcast with music and quizzes to keep villagers' spirits up.

Read more from this author

This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF