A landmark village pub in the National Trust run village of Bradenham has been let to a local couple in a deal brokered by Colliers International’s Hotel division.
The Red Lion – prominently situated on the main A4010 road between Princes Risborough and High Wycombe – will now be run by Jackie Coleman and her partner Pete, who hope to be ready to re-open the popular pub on 1 September.
Jackie, from High Wycombe, said: “There was a lot of interest in this pub so we are absolutely thrilled we got it. The Red Lion is ideally situated for tourists and is set in a good position to draw custom from residents locally and from the surrounding larger towns as well as the passing trade.
“Pete and I are looking forward to offering a unique service; I started working in the pub trade at the age of 21 and Pete currently works at the Prince Albert in Hillingdon, so with our joint experience in the pub and catering trade we hope to make this a favourite local venue.”
The Red Lion has a good sized car park, a beer garden, a cosy bar and a 34 cover restaurant. It has been owned by the National Trust since 1956 and is situated in a pretty part of the Chilterns.
Colliers International hotels director Peter Brunt said the Red Lion had all the attributes people would wish for from a traditional village pub.
He said: “The Red Lion is a good old English pub providing a lovely environment for customers from near and far. The National Trust was looking for a long term partnership with a tenant so as to secure the future of the pub – a village amenity that it is committed to maintaining for the future. Jackie and Pete seemed the perfect fit with experience and passion in abundance.
“The pub and hotel sector locally continues to defy national trends which is encouraging healthy interest in new properties coming on to the market.
“The interest The Red Lion gained proves once again that potential owners can still be found for good businesses in the best locations.”
Jackie continued: “We hope to turn The Red Lion into a vibrant and friendly local pub and restaurant. We anticipate a good take up of our food offering, using locally sourced fresh meat and vegetables.
“We also intend to stock real ales and a good selection of wines all at reasonable prices.”
