Marsworth: Red Lion dining room reopens after fire and is cosier than ever
The much-loved Red Lion Marsworth pub has risen from the ashes after a devastating May 2025 fire and is looking better than ever.
On October 31, the refurbished dining room and snug reopened – and both are looking wonderfully comfy and inviting, while completely retaining their historic, country-pub look.
There is a new red tartan, fire-resistant carpet and new brown curtains. And there are fire points and smoke alarms everywhere.
But as much of the pub’s furniture has been saved and professionally cleaned, you’d hardly know there had been a massive blaze.
Yet this time last year, a visit behind the scenes at the pub revealed charred rafters and beams, gaping gaps in the ceilings and holes in the roof, where the fire started.
The expert renovation of the Grade II-listed pub has been carried out by local builders Prism Construction, led by Nick Webb, who followed traditional construction methods.
The roof was completely rebuilt with replacement seasoned oak timbers and 4,600 reclaimed heritage tiles. And traditional lime plaster was applied to the new lathe interior ceilings. The pub has also been rewired.
Landlady Amanda Oxley says: “Nick has been marvellous. He has a vested interest as he loves the pub.”
The kitchens have also been renovated after the fire, and a new range is in place, but further cooking and food storage equipment is still being fitted.
The huge extractor fan will be removed and a new one sourced.
Pete and Amanda Oxley hope to have the kitchen back up and running by Christmas, but aren’t taking food bookings yet, just in case.
“There is still a lot to do to get the kitchen set up, so it depends how fast things move along now.”
“We’re pleased we were able to open the bar again just a couple of months after the fire,” says Amanda.
She adds: “If we hadn’t got the wet side open so quickly, I don’t know how we would have managed, as people get out of the habit. Instead, we’ve had so much support from locals, which is great.”
Once the kitchen is completed, the couple plan to serve food every day except Mondays, with Pete as head chef, helped by two young chefs.
Food will be served from 12 noon to 2pm and 6pm to 8pm daily and from 12 noon to 3pm on Sunday. “There’s already a verbal waiting list for our Sunday roasts!” adds Mandy, who adds that they might do special pie nights, too.
The pub continues to host frequent events and food vans, including Moroccan food on Saturday, November 7, which is Bonfire Night in the village.
There’s a quiz on November 11, Crazy Bird food van on the 13th and an Indoor Christmas Market on the 15th from 12 noon to 4pm, with roast wraps on sale.
There’s folk music from 8pm on the 19th, an Indian street food van on the 20th, a darts marathon on Saturday 12th.
And Stephen Hoare will be playing laid-back live acoustic music on Sunday, November 22 from 3pm to 5pm.
The Book Club meets on November 26 from 1.30pm to 3pm. This month’s book is The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett.
On Thursday, December 10, there’s a Christmas Wreath Making workshop at 7.30pm for 8pm. £40pp. Email [email protected] to book.
Marsworth’s fabulous fireworks on Saturday:
Marsworth’s hugely atmospheric Bonfire and Fireworks Night returns to the Recreation Ground on Saturday, 7 November, promising another spectacular evening of fireworks, food and family entertainment.
Last year saw record numbers enjoying the legendary half-hour display to music. With a blazing bonfire and dazzling fireworks, plus burgers, mulled wine and more on sale, Marsworth provides one of the best village Bonfire Nights around.
Gates open at 5pm, with the bonfire lit at 6.30pm and the fireworks display starting at 7pm. Admission is £6 for adults and £3 for children, with proceeds supporting Marsworth Village Hall.
Visitors can enjoy a range of refreshments, while fireworks co-ordinator Paul Rance has once again choreographed the epic display to music, with more fireworks than ever planned for this year’s show.
The event is run by volunteers, and organisers are looking for additional helpers both for on the night and for the clear-up the following day.
Parking will be available in the orchard off Watery Lane, with disabled parking on the recreation ground. Organisers are hoping for another strong turnout following the huge success of last year’s event.
Parish meeting on Monday to discuss Marsworth Airfield appeal
With major development plans at the former Marsworth Airfield going to appeal at the Planning Inspectorate, village residents are being encouraged to attend a parish meeting on 9 November to discuss how best to respond.
Developers Ainscough Strategic Land are seeking to overturn the refusal of proposals for up to 320 homes, together with a primary school, community facilities, open space and a rural enterprise hub.
The scheme was rejected by Buckinghamshire Council and Dacorum Borough Council, with concerns raised over highways, infrastructure, sustainability and environmental impact. The appeal will now be determined by a Planning Inspector through a public inquiry.
Traffic remains a key concern for local residents, particularly proposals that could see additional vehicles routed through Marsworth village. Campaigners fear increased congestion on already busy roads and further pressure on local services.
Developers argue that road improvements, enhanced bus services and new walking and cycling links would help address transport issues, while also delivering housing and community benefits.
Marsworth Parish Council says it intends to strongly oppose the appeal and is urging residents to have their say.
The appeal will be discussed at the start of the Parish Council meeting on 9 November at 8pm, which all Marsworth and Tring Rural residents are encouraged to attend.
Residents can submit new or updated comments to the Planning Inspectorate until 19 November, quoting appeal reference 6013847.
Submissions can be made online via Dacorum’s Planning Portal or by post to the Planning Inspectorate’s Slough office.
Buckinghamshire Council has also advised that if you wish to make comments, or modify/withdraw your previous representation, you can do so online at https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/comment-planning-appeal/enter-appeal-reference
Water’s Edge Meet the Reindeers: The Marsworth café’s magical, sell-out reindeer event returns on Saturday, December 19, from 3pm. Tickets are now live at wemarsworth.co.uk, with 30-minute group slots to meet the reindeer. There will be mini stalls, arts and crafts and an outdoor snow machine, weather permitting, plus complimentary activity packs, mulled wine and more.
Christmas Tree Festival: Marsworth Christmas Tree Festival is back! This year the theme will be Christmas Carols. Contact Ruth Monks if you would like to decorate a tree. There will also be a jigsaw stall, preserves stall, raffle and refreshments, with donations welcome. It will be on Saturday, November 28, from 10am to 4pm, and Sunday, November 29, from 11.30am to 4pm.
Craft Fayre at Cheddington: This is at Cheddington Bowls Club, on the Recreation Ground LU7 9AA, on Saturday November 7 from 10am to 3pm, with Santa, gifts, glass, jewellery, refreshments and more.
Drone Show: Grove Road Primary School in Tring presents a Christmas Drone Show on Friday, December 4, from 5.30pm with the show at 7.30pm. From £9pp.