The chef at Boris Johnson’s village local has taken over the lease with his family, bringing a familiar face into the driving seat at the Red Lion.
The Red Lion in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, near Wallingford, will continue trading with its existing staff after Zak and his family succeeded Corinne and Mouse, according to the Oxford Mail’s report of 5 November.
Familiar team, familiar fixtures
Zak has cooked at the pub for several years. His daughter Amber has worked there too, giving the incoming family an established connection with customers.
The outgoing operators ran the business for almost seven years. The new team has indicated that it intends to preserve the pub’s community role and keep disruption to a minimum.
Its regular quiz, Friday cakes, Sunday meat draw and Christmas market are all set to continue. The pub remains open as usual.
The political connection comes from Johnson living in the village; the reported lease takeover is by Zak’s family.
A thatched pub at the heart of the village
Standing on Brightwell Street, the Red Lion is a Grade II-listed, timber-framed inn. CAMRA describes a bar with exposed beams, an inglenook fireplace and a wood-burning stove, plus a courtyard garden.
The pub’s own website advertises freshly cooked food, local ales and other drinks. For visitors, its appeal stretches beyond a famous neighbour: it is a village meeting place with food, outdoor space and an established programme of community activities.
Explore the Red Lion’s profile on The Best Pub Guide for its location, contact details and pub features. Check with the pub before travelling for current service times.
Exterior photograph: April 2024. Bikeboy / Geograph, CC BY-SA 2.0. Additional venue background checked against the pub’s website and CAMRA.
