A HEREFORDSHIRE family with plans to lovingly restore their once-beloved community pub has proved their teamwork really can make the dream work.

Joanna Cobb and her family embarked on their mission to save the Red Lion pub in Madley from wrack and ruin in the early months of 2024.

The family invested in a “lovely set of buildings” comprising of the pub, eight en-suite rooms to let and an events barn. All of the structures were in a terrible state, but the family saw potential behind the rough exterior.

The pub's atmosphere at its launch weekend was The pub's atmosphere at its launch weekend was "bouncing" (Image: Laura French Jones)

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Setting to work in April 2024, “the kids would get involved with the work during the holidays,” said Ms Cobb, as the family and their “incredible” renovation team shifted four lorry skips of rubbish to restore the country pub.

Harnessing the power of Facebook, Ms Cobb also managed to source an “amazing” chef, and an experienced manager and assistant as well as local front-of-house staff to help the pub run like clockwork.

The family have achieved a stunning, sympathetic refurbishment.The family have achieved a stunning, sympathetic refurbishment. (Image: Laura French Jones)

“We can’t wait to welcome you back,” said a Red Lion Facebook post - and what a welcome it was!

Starting on Friday, July 19, with a meal to say thank you to everyone who has made their dream possible, the family’s launch weekend saw some 250 attendees arrive at July 20’s launch party, as well as the 70 invitees who trialled the pub’s Sunday roast on July 21.

The beer garden was very much enjoyed at the Lion's sunny Saturday reopeningThe beer garden was very much enjoyed at the Lion's sunny Saturday reopening! (Image: Laura French Jones)

Attendees of Saturday’s launch party lauded the pub’s food “very tasty, served beautifully and perfectly sized portions”, all from a “lush menu” with “excellent choices for gluten-free options”.

Not only the buildings, but also the pub's atmosphere were restored to their former glory.Not only the buildings, but also the pub's atmosphere have been restored to their former glory. (Image: Laura French Jones)

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In terms of changes to the buildings, the guests thought them “perfect” and an “incredible refit”.

“Do a job, do it well!  You surpassed that,” praised the Lion’s meat supplier, Neil Powell. 

The Red Lion's new look was very much celebrated by its first visitorsThe Red Lion's new look was very much celebrated by its first visitors. (Image: Laura French Jones)

The “beautiful atmosphere” of the venue “was bouncing”, and the staff “friendly” and “lovely”. Many said they would be back.

With Ms Cobb speaking of the pub planning to hold events as wide-ranging as live music and weddings in their barn, host pool and darts groups and eventually remain open all seven days of the week, it seems the Red Lion can look forward to a very happy future; “the heart of our beautiful village is well and truly beating again,” she said.