Oxfordshire village pub to get name change after 200 years

The Red Lion in Steeple Aston, near Bicester, will reopen on June 18 under the management of Jonathan Perritt alongside chef and managing partner Paolo Cangiano.

Owned by the Hook Norton Brewery, the pub has since been closed for more than a month while a new manager was sought.

Mr Perritt, the founder of Supernova Pubs, said: “As a historic pub at the heart of one of Oxfordshire’s most charming villages, the site represents everything we value: character, heritage, quality and a genuine sense of place. It is a privilege to become part of its story.

Chef Paulo Cangiano (Image: Andy Ffrench)

“With decades of experience in hospitality, owning and operating pubs and restaurants in London and Oxford, we will be introducing a menu focused on seasonality, quality ingredients and simple, honest cooking.

“We look forward to launching our traditional Sunday roasts, which we hope will become a firm favourite in the village and neighbouring communities.

“Alongside this, we are excited to champion independent breweries, including award winning Hook Norton cask ales of course, but also bringing some rotating keg beers from some of our favourite small batch brewers.

“We will put together a thoughtful wine list, soft drinks and some good tea and coffee too.

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“Our ambition is simple: to create a pub that the village can be proud of, a welcoming place for everyone, whether that’s for a relaxed drink, a family meal, or a gathering of friends.

“A sustainable village pub which thrives.”

The new landlord said to honour the pub’s history, the original name will be reinstated to The Chequers “to acknowledge the pub’s longstanding place” in the Steeple Aston.

Hook Norton is working with the new management to get the pub reopen by June 18.

“We can’t wait to open our doors soon and get to know you, the residents of Steeple Aston,” the new boss said.

“Thank you for the warm welcome we have already received from some of you directly. We are excited for what lies ahead.”

The Red Lion in Steeple Aston has origins dating back to around 1750. Originally named The Chequers, the building was largely re-fronted in 1871.

Historic England notes that this 1871 update included the addition of decorative diamond-cut mirrors crafted by Walter Gibbs and Sons of Blackfriars.

The pub was sold in 1830, rebranded as The Red Lion, a name it has maintained for nearly 200 years.

In 2005, Hook Norton Brewery acquired the pub and it has been under different management ever since.