Sporting legend visits picturesque pub next to village green

He dropped in at The Seven Stars in Marsh Baldon and tucked into lamb kofta, a popular Mediterranean dish, followed by crispy duck salad.

The hostelry near Oxford is on the edge of one of the largest village greens in the country. It has been selected as the Oxford Mail Pub of the Week.

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Sir Ian’s international playing career lasted from 1977 to 1992, establishing him as one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders. He played a total of 102 test matches for England. The former England cricket captain joined the House of Lords in 2020.

The Seven Stars is a community-run pub, which is managed by Sunit Bansode and Namit Julka.

Sir Ian Botham with Sunit Bansode at The Seven Stars (Image: Sunit Bansode/The Seven Stars)

Mr Bansode said: “Sir Ian Botham is a friend of someone who is in the community group which runs the pub.

“We were delighted to welcome him last month – he came for lunch and enjoyed lamb kofta for a starter followed by crispy duck salad – then he met the chef.

“Sir Ian was very friendly and was happy for some photos to be taken.”

In 2013, families from Marsh Baldon and surrounding villages formed the Baldons and Nuneham Community Society (BNCS), enabling them to buy shares in the 350-year-old Seven Stars and own it themselves.

Roast dinners at The Seven Stars in Marsh Baldon (Image: The Seven Stars)

Staff at the pub are looking forward to a busy summer, and next month they will host their third annual beer festival in a row, running from July 17-19.

Mr Bansode added: “During the summer, guests can enjoy live music in the garden, and our annual beer festival weekend has become a highlight.

“Aunt Sally is being introduced this year, and our fortnightly Indian cuisine evenings – along with special Diwali and Holi menus – have been warmly received.

“Traditional English events remain central to our offering, with village community gatherings, weddings, wakes, baby showers, beer festivals, and quizzes all forming part of our calendar.

“These are complemented by public events on the green, such as the vintage car show and local cricket matches. Every occasion is meticulously planned alongside our six day dining service, under the close attention of both myself, Namit, and our dedicated team.

“Our Sunday roast deserves particular mention. Owing to the exceptional culinary skill of our chef, booking has become essential. This popularity is reflected in our five star TripAdvisor ratings and glowing Google reviews. We warmly invite readers to visit our website for details of upcoming events and further information.”

The Seven Stars in Marsh Baldon (Image: Oxford CAMRA)

Mr Bansode added: “The reputation of The Seven Stars is growing rapidly, and our ambition is not only to maintain our current standards but to elevate them to even greater heights.”

Real ale enthusiasts Oxford CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) have researched the pub’s history.

CAMRA said: “This old coaching inn was under threat for a while but reopened in March 2013 as a community-owned pub with the main bar refurbished and a new function room/restaurant.

“It sits next to the village green which is claimed to be the largest in Europe and has a big garden for the summer. There is only one bus a day to the village so unless you come by car you need to walk from Nuneham Courtenay.”

The Barn at The Seven Stars (Image: The Seven Stars at Marsh Baldon)

Sir Ian Botham made his Test match debut for England against Australia on July 28, 1977, at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.

In this third Ashes Test, the 21-year-old all-rounder made an immediate impact, taking five wickets for 74 runs in Australia’s first innings, including his first Test wicket, Australian legend Greg Chappell. He also scored 25 runs as England went on to win the match by seven wickets