Red Lion pub in Stratford could reopen under new owners
THE Red Lion pub in Stratford will close its doors to customers this Sunday (4th August) ahead of a refurbishment and a reopening under new owners.
Owned by Whitbread, the Red Lion on Warwick Road, is one of several pubs which are being sold by the brewing giant as part of a strategy to focus on its hotels and restaurants.
In a statement Whitbread said: “After many years serving the community we can confirm that the Red Lion will close its doors.
“We’d like to take this opportunity to thank the local community for their support over the years and our amazing team members. The site is now on the market as a going concern.”
Staff at the Red Lion confirmed to the Herald last week that the pub would close until a buyer is found.
The buyer, the Herald understands is Heartwood Inns Ltd. The company, which was formerly the White Brasserie Company and has links with celebrity chef Raymond Blanc, reopened the Black Swan in Henley after an extensive refurbishment about a year ago.
The temporary closure of the Red Lion will leave that area of Stratford without a pub as the Pen and Parchment – owned by Greene King – closed in February for refurbishment.
The Red Lion is another casualty of Whitbread’s strategy to build hotel rooms and cut back on its pub and restaurant portfolio, which in April was said to involve the loss of 1,500 jobs.It aims to save about £150m over the next three years.
As well as owning Premier Inn, Whitbread also includes the restaurant brands Bar+Block, Beefeater, Brewers Fayre, Cookhouse & Pub, Table Table and Whitbread Inns.
