REVITALISING AN OXFORDSHIRE STALWART

The Red Lion occupies a prominent position on Peppard’s  ‘Top Common’. A hostelry was almost certainly on this key site throughout the Middle Ages. The current building dates from the 18th century and The Peppard Red Lion has been serving patrons ever since.

The Red Lion’s present-day tranquillity belies a colourful past.

Situated at the summit of the busy pack-horse route between Henley and Goring known as Pack and Prime Lane ( “pack your horses and prime your pistols”) it would have had highwaymen and smugglers - (tax-free spirits for thrifty publicans!) amongst its early patrons …until, that is,  they took that wrong turn and got hung up in nearby Gallowstree Road. 

Quite why bargees of the day preferred to miss the delights of Reading town by unloading their cargoes on the wharves of Henley and sending the goods on by land we do not know.

Was it the temptation of The Peppard Revels?  Lawlessness was always pretty general in these parts being as it was a  place beyond the jurisdiction of the river towns beagles and sheriffs. Every summer for hundreds of years the Peppard Revels saw seething mass brawls;  ‘no-holds barred’  100+ a side football matches between rival pub teams. In front of the Lion the fabled bear pit - still visible - did much for the early betting trade, perhaps not a lot for animal welfare. Cudgel fighting was also popular. Until that is, the churches shut it all down. A 9-hole golf course - more seemly - was then established linking Top Common with the lower Common to the west, with the Red Lion serving as clubhouse. This thrived until WW2 when the RAF requisitioned The Common. Fortunately they left the Tennis Club alone. The Revels were revived, in a slightly gentler form, for the Millennium celebrations of 2000, and have continued irregularly ever since. The recent Platinum celebration saw perhaps 1000 revellers feasting and carousing on Top Common, in front of The Lion…. just like olden times. 

 

The Red Lion remains the sanctuary it’s always been, conserving the ambiance of its rich history in its timber frame architecture, flickering fires, low ceilings and portraits of favoured canine customers. A complete renovation by the pub’s owners has reenergised it, blending history with timeless refinement and comfort, award-winning beers, impeccable wines, rare spirits, freshly roasted espresso and great food.  Guest chefs, brewers, winemakers musicians, actors all will make their way to the fabled Peppard Lion. There will again be much sport.  But cudgels must be left at the door.


The Red Lion is operated by James Williamson and the more active members of the Laithwaite family, Peppard residents for over 40 years. This dynamic team, is behind the celebrated The Brown Dog, Barnes, the well-known Laithwaite’s Wines and the Loose Cannon Brewery, Abingdon. They purchased the building in 2021 when it had been derelict for two years, and transformed it into a pub fit for any passing king. They bring their varied skills, great passion and care to The Red Lion and look forward to welcoming you.

- The Red Lion Team -