Boris Johnson could have new faces pulling pints at his Oxfordshire local after a village pub was taken over by its long-serving chef and his family.
The former Prime Minister lives at Brightwell Manor, his £3.8 million home in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, putting the Red Lion in the heart of his home village.
Now chef Zak and his family have taken over the lease of the historic thatched pub from previous operators Corinne and Mouse after an almost seven-year run.
Zak is already a familiar face to customers, having worked as chef at the Red Lion for several years, while his daughter Amber has also worked at the pub and volunteers at the Village Stores on Saturdays.
Red Lion pub, Brightwell cum Sotwell (Image: Ed Nix)
Announcing the takeover, the family said they “love the village community” and want to keep the pub “at the very heart of village life”.
Regulars, potentially including Mr Johnson, should not notice too much upheaval, with the new owners promising “little change” to the day-to-day running of the pub.
Popular fixtures including the quiz, Friday cakes, Sunday meat draw and Christmas market will all continue.
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The existing team of staff will also remain at the pub, which is staying fully open as usual.
Zak and his family added: “We are really excited to be moving to the village, and we look forward to seeing you soon and getting to know you all better!”
Brightwell Manor bought by Boris Johnson (Image: Knight Frank)
They also thanked Corinne and Mouse for their “help, support & advice throughout the purchase of the lease”.
Mr Johnson, former MP for Henley for seven years from 2001 to 2008, moved into Brightwell Manor with his wife Carrie and their family after buying the nine-bedroom Grade II-listed property in 2023.
