Lord Lyon to re-open its doors next week

For the past three years licensee Mark Genders has been at the helm of the watering hole, owned by Swindon-based Arkells brewery and named after a famous thoroughbred horse which won the triple crown in 1866.
In 2011 the Lord Lyon was named best community pub in Berkshire by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) thanks to the important role it played in the local area.
Mr Genders has left the pub to concentrate on his free houses, the Five Bells at Wickham and the John O’Gaunt in Hungerford.
Chairman of West Berkshire CAMRA, Richard Scullion, said: “Obviously we’re very hopeful that Arkells will maintain it as a thriving community pub.”
A spokeswoman for Arkells, Nicky Godding, said: “We do indeed have a new licensee lined up, but we’re keeping his identity under wraps just for now.
“He’s an experienced licensee; he and his girlfriend have worked for Arkells before and we’re sure he’ll build on the Lord Lyon’s recent success.”
Meanwhile Mickey Liquorice has moved on from Arkells’ All Sorts cafe bar in London Road, Newbury.
Ms Godding said: “We’ve installed a temporary landlord to provide food and drink while we look for a permanent replacement for Mr Liquorice.”
Sadly the brewery was unable to save another of its West Berkshire outlets last July after the Rising Sun at Woolhampton served its last pint.
Brewery director George Arkell said at the time that the company had concluded “with great regret” that the historic coaching inn was no no longer viable as a pub.