New tenants have been found for a community-owned pub which closed earlier this year due to the cost of living crisis.

The award-winning Red Lion in Northmoor is scheduled to have a 'soft' opening later this month and 'hopefully something a bit grander' closer to Christmas.

The 17th century pub was bought from brewery giant Greene King by the local community in 2014, after villagers raised tens of thousands of pounds to secure its future.

The new tenants are experienced publicans Toby and Deb Merridan who have been running the Six Bells in Kidlington.

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The Red Lion has beamed ceilings and log fires, a beer garden set among the trees and a vegetable patch which provides fresh fruit and vegetables for the menus.

Three ensuite shepherd's huts were installed in 2019 to offer bed and breakfast at the site close to the Thames Pathway and these will also be reopening for guests.

Directors The Northmoor Lion Ltd Mike Beaumont, Graeme Ogilvie and Graham Shelton said electrical, gas and fire safety work needs to be finalised and cooling, piping and dispensing systems in the cellar must be revamped by contractors.

Northmoor Lion directors and volunteers are continuing to clean and decorate inside and out.

Previous tenants Ian and Lisa Neale ran the Red Lion for 10 years and won The Muddy Stilettos Award, for Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire in 2022 for the best destination pub, and many other awards including several years in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide.

The effects of Covid and 'hefty increases' in utility bills and supplies led the couple to announce on social media, "it’s time to move on."