A COMMUNITY-OWNED West Oxfordshire pub saved by locals five years ago is looking to secure its future with three 'luxury shepherd’s huts' for guests to stay over in.

As it marks five years as a pub owned by its community, The Red Lion at Northmoor, near Witney, will be giving visitors the chance to stay in the bijou new accommodation.

It’s a far cry from the 17th century pub’s situation in 2013, when locals feared for its future after previous owners Greene King put it up for sale.

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Residents subsequently joined together and raised tens of thousands of pounds to secure the Lion’s future.

Today, under the company name of Northmoor Lion Ltd, 70 local residents own shares in the pub.

Since 2014, the business has been led by the management of industry veterans and married couple Ian and Lisa Neale, who boast 30 years of industry experience between them.

Mrs Neale said: "We believe this is a really special part of the world, and are keen to welcome even more people to experience what Northmoor and West Oxfordshire as a whole has to offer.

"As such, we’ve launched our three luxury shepherd’s huts, offering an exclusive bed and breakfast experience for those who want to take a little more time to unwind."

Each cabin boasts a double bed, en-suite bathroom, seating area, tea and coffee-making facilities and a wood burner 'to ensure a cosy stay all year round'.

Oxford Mail:

The huts have been designed and built exclusively for the pub by the English Shepherd’s Hut Company.

Dogs and children are welcome to stay, and the room rates include a continental style breakfast.

Graham Shelton, the chief executive of Northmoor Lion Ltd, said: “When local residents took that leap of faith and came together to save our village pub, we weren’t sure what the future might hold.

“At first we simply focused on making it a centre for the community.

“With these top-of-the-line new shepherd’s huts, we’re hoping to take the business a step further and really put The Red Lion on the map as a great stop-over point for anyone visiting Oxfordshire.”

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The Red Lion kitchen makes the most of fresh, local, seasonal produce, with a menu that changes daily.

Mr Neale’s food team make the most of the kitchen garden to grow plenty of vegetables and herbs on site.

Mayonnaise is made from eggs collected from chickens that wander round the garden, while the Sunday lunch favourite of roasted topside of Northmoor Red Ruby beef is reared just down the road.

On the bar side, Mrs Neale supports regional breweries, with a regularly changing array of beers.

For more information see theredlionnorthmoor.com