Award-winning Stathern pub welcomes back former manager

A pub manager who has earned various awards over the years, has returned to take charge behind the bar where it all began.

The Red Lion Inn at Stathern has already been named Good Pub Guide Leicestershire Dining Pub of the Year 2015, but now it has an extra reason to celebrate with former manager Mark Barbour’s return.

It is a happy homecoming for Mark, who was general manager at The Red Lion from 2002 to 2006. During that time the pub won many awards, including being named AA Pub Of the Year and The Publican Food Pub of the Year.

The Red Lion Inn is co-owned by Ben Jones and Sean Hope, who also own The Olive Branch in Clipsham. Ben and Sean will continue to be involved in the Red Lion Inn, but are taking a step back to concentrate on other areas of the business.

Ben said: “We are delighted to have Mark back with us. He was a great manager 10 years ago and he has gained a wealth of experience since then. We are really excited about his plans for the Red Lion and we know he will be welcomed back by all the customers who remember him.”

Mark started his career at the award-winning Hambleton Hall in Oakham, before joining The Red Lion in 2002. In 2007 he left to become company training manager at Le Bistrot Pierre Group, where he also managed three different sites and opened its flagship hotel in Ikley.

Since 2013 he has been general manager at the award-winning Fleece Inn at Addingham, West Yorkshire.

Mark said: “I’ve always had an affection for the Red Lion and the customers I met during my first spell here. My family and I love the area too, so I’m really excited to be back in the Vale of Belvoir. I’m also happy to be working with Sean and Ben again and I’m looking forward to bringing some new ideas to the table to take the Red Lion forward.”