The Red Lion, in Upper Basildon, has closed

A country pub has shut with immediate effect.

Gina Aston and Vincent Heavey took over and restored The Red Lion, in Upper Basildon, in December 2022.

But they announced the pub’s closure earlier today (Thursday) following months of struggling to stay open.

In a joint statement, they said: “This is unlikely to be a surprise to our customers, who will have been aware that the pub has had a difficult trading period for some months, compounded by electricity and gas outages and high running costs.

“Consequently, the pub is unable to continue trading. Thank you for your custom and support over the last 18 months.”

Customers took to social media to show their support.

One said: “How sad that the cost of living has made yet another village pub close down.”

“This was to be expected. I’m glad they did what they could,” said another.

Another added: “We are so, so sad to hear this. It’s a shame to see another local pub go.”

The pub is owned by Stonegate, which will decide its future in due course.