Joanna - our first OB landlady.....

One Herefordshire couple has done just that. Joanna (nee Mayson) (DEW, 94-96) and Paul Cobb took on the task of restoring their local, the Red Lion at Madley, earlier this year, saving its buildings which had been left to decay.

Joanna, originally from nearby Byford, said that she knew in its heyday that the pub had been well-loved and a vibrant community hub.  But after many years, the buildings had declined, and without a significant investment of both time and money to restore them, the pub closed and was put up for sale in August 2023. 

“Having seen the pub sat empty and looking so sad for many months, and hearing so many Madley residents lamenting its loss, we considered purchasing it to renovate. 

“I was then diagnosed with breast cancer and we had to shelve the idea. 

"In January of this year and following my treatment, we saw that it was still available and decided to put our property skills to the test.”

The family, including their two children Jessie and William, and their dedicated staff, worked hard to restore the pub, with it officially reopening in July.

The couple said that their journey with the historic pub has been a rollercoaster so far, and has been "extremely demanding on time and energy", but added that it had been a rewarding experience, with the feedback they received being "overwhelmingly positive and supportive". 

The couple's hard work and determination have certainly paid off, with the renovated pub now standing proudly in the centre of the village. The building now features a cosy inside where guests can enjoy a pint or a filling Sunday roast. Or enjoy a cold pint outside in the generous rear beer garden.

The couple added that they look forward to welcoming customers over the Autumn and into Christmas, with a range of upcoming events including a children’s Halloween craft fundraiser, the Madley fireworks after party with live music of the Hey Yahs, and a Christmas craft fayre.