Village community pubs must welcome children says landlady

Oak Taverns bought The Red Lion in Yarnton from Admiral Taverns in 2023, after a community buyout scheme failed to raise sufficient funds.

Thame-based pub company Oak Taverns owns a number of other pubs across Oxfordshire including The Crown in Marcham and The Cross Keys in Wallingford.

READ MORE: Village pub closed following fire

The Red Lion in Cassington Road is the Oxford Mail Pub of the Week.

Landlady Jess Dixon said it is now vital for pubs functioning as community hubs to welcome families with young children, as well as older regulars.

She told the Oxford Drinker, the magazine run by the Oxford branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale): “Considering children under 14 were prohibited from entering public houses prior to 1995, and pubs only being allowed to make their own policies from 2003 due to changes in the licensing act, it’s not really surprising that children in pub environments can be a bit of a divisive topic.

The Red Lion in Yarnton (Image: Oxford Drinker)

“Being a village pub means: families, and lots of them! It can be quite entertaining at times when you’ve got small children demanding a straw with their apple juice, paired with older gents just trying to get a relaxing pint in across the bar.

“Acting as a community hub with such a wide range of ages is good fun whilst simultaneously feeling like solving a public relations-themed Rubik’s cube. How can we create a welcoming environment for all, that also fits the vibe we want to create?

“Some opt for high chairs on demand and play sets in the garden, others opt for Fruit Shoots and a game of Jenga (all very low noise activities of course).”

Ms Dixon said live music being staged at the pub was a good way of uniting the community – including a band playing at its annual beer festival next month.

The Red Lion in Yarnton (Image: The Red Lion)

She added: “One thing I’ve found always works to maintain the family melting pot status quo is a good old event in the garden, with some live music and a few garden games.

“We’re really lucky to have a Yarnton village band full of people of all ages that kick off our annual May beer festival, and really sets the tone for the day.

“I know not every pub may be fit for a family-friendly lifestyle, but if it is, there’s nothing quite like watching people of all ages enjoy a sunny pub garden with a fresh pint or J2O in hand.”

Oak Taverns also runs The Rose & Crown in Charlbury, The Swan in Faringdon, The Red Lion in Chinnor, and The Angel in Bicester.