East Cambridgeshire village pub reopens after backing from community

A country pub has reopened after an extensive revamp backed by the community.

George Talbot and Katie Lawrie have spearheaded the turnaround of The Red Lion, in High Street, Brinkley.

The duo want to get the community back into the venue and paid tribute to the support they have had from villagers in bringing the premises back to life.

George, who formerly managed The Carpenters Arms in Great Wilbraham, will run the front of house while Katie, who brings her experience from The Northgate and The All Saints Hotel, in Bury St Edmunds, will be the head chef.

“We want to give them (the locals) their pub back,” said Katie.

“Some of the villagers have come in and painted for us just so we can get it back open, it’s crazy – the community support has been amazing with helping us getting it up and going.

“The aim is to have a pub where you can rock up at any point of the day and have a drink and some sort of a meal.”

The Red Lion’s main menu will be available at certain times, while its bar menu will be available throughout the day.

In addition to the seating areas in the dining room and the bar, it has a private dining room upstairs with space for around 12 that can be used for a variety of events.

The venue will use local suppliers as much as possible, including Eric Tennant Butchers in Newmarket and Peter Graham Wines in Wymondham.

George said: “We want it to be an old school pub – a proper pub serving decent food, it shouldn’t be more complicated than that.

“Anyone is welcome; bums on seats is more important to me than averages – if I’m full then I’m happy.”

George added the pub will have a good selection of rotational ales, draught lagers and ciders alongside an extensive wine list.

The Red Lion is open seven days a week and now has a pub puppy, Sybil, who is just a few weeks old.

The back garden area has views of the rolling countryside.