10th February 2006

Mel and Sarah fly the flag in Steeple Aston

Mel and Sarah Phipps are the new licensees at the Red Lion, Steeple Aston, Oxfordshire.
Steeple Aston in the heart of the Cherwell Valley, is one of Oxfordshire's prettiest villages and Mel and Sarah are determined that the Red Lion, which is new to the Hook Norton family of pubs, will itself be at the heart of village life.
Clearly signposted off the A4260 the Red Lion was built in the 17th century, has a friendly front bar, a small snug with comfy settees and a striking, recently built extension, which serves as a dining room.
Mel and Sarah used to run another Hook Norton pub, the Marston Inn, Marston St Lawrence and they look forward to welcoming many of their old customers.
A new menu is being developed for lunchtime sandwiches and evening meals using organic vegetables, rare breed beef and locally bred lamb.
The beer range includes Hooky’s range of real beers and unusually Czech brewed draft Budvar Budweiser lager, regarded as one of the best of its style in the world.
“We are a very English pub in the heart of Oxfordshire,” said Mel Phipps, “we do not have a juke box or any fruit machines, but can offer a place where people can chat and enjoy good service and a warm welcome.”
“We look forward to welcoming our friends and visitors from Woodstock, Bicester, Banbury and Woodstock, along with the people from the village as we want to get involved in local events. We will offer quality and value and try and keep prices down.”
And the opinions of the villagers matter to the couple for together with Hook Norton they have commissioned a new sign for the pub.
“We are going to have a number of designs done for the new sign, and will be consulting the villagers for their views on the final version,” said Mel Phipps.
And the couple say they will continue to fly the Red Lion flag which proudly hangs on a pole outside the pub.
Outside there is a floral terrace for families with younger children and sun seekers. Close to many walks, ramblers are welcome to leave cars in the car park, providing they pop into the pub for a drink.
Credit and debit cards are accepted.