Russell Brand Sells Oxfordshire Pub for Profit Ahead of Rape Trial
Residents in the South Oxfordshire village of Pishill are celebrating as Russell Brand has sold The Crown Inn, a historic country pub, for a six-figure sum, making a profit of approximately £125,000. The sale comes ahead of Brand's upcoming rape trial in October, marking the end of a contentious period for the community.
Sale Details and Local Reactions
The 50-year-old actor and comedian, known for roles in films like Get Him to the Greek, sold the pub for £975,000 through his production company, Pablo Diablo's Legitimate Business Firm. He had purchased the property, which includes a barn and a two-bedroom cottage, for £850,000 in 2021. The pub has been closed since the Covid-19 lockdown and was never reopened under Brand's ownership.
John Bloomer, a secretary of the National Farmers' Union group, is the new buyer. Freddie van Mierlo, the MP for Henley, expressed delight, stating, "I'm delighted for residents who had their local pub closed for years by a 'celebrity' for the purpose of recording self-promotion and conspiratorial YouTube content." He added, "I'm so pleased that this much-loved pub is back in good hands."
Neighbors have praised Bloomer as "absolutely charming" and "welcoming and friendly." Noel Snell, a long-time resident, noted that having the pub as a free house will "make all the difference" in securing its future. Similarly, Guy and Penny Godfrey, who have lived in Pishill for 45 years, are eager to visit under the new ownership, hoping it will "enhance the neighbourhood."
Community Opposition and Brand's Plans
Previously, Brand's plans to convert the pub garage into a recording studio for his online videos and podcast sparked significant outrage among locals. More than 50 residents formally objected to the district council, arguing that the 15th-century pub should remain a community asset. South Oxfordshire Council described his proposals as "unsuitable" and potentially a nuisance.
Since its closure, The Crown Inn has fallen into disrepair, with an overgrown garden and neglected state. Locals described the situation as "sad" and said it had "ripped the heart out of the local community." After allegations of sexual offences against Brand emerged in September 2023, unauthorized fencing was erected around the property, prompting a council investigation.
Background on Russell Brand's Legal Issues
Brand is facing serious legal charges, including three counts of rape, three charges of sexual assault, and one allegation of indecent assault, with six women alleging crimes dating from 1999 to 2009. He denies all allegations. Initially charged in April 2025, his trial was set for June 2026 but was delayed to October 12 after fresh charges involving two new complainants were brought in January.
Brand, who has shifted to podcasting and online influencing and is married to Laura Gallacher, now resides in the United States. He has been granted bail during the criminal proceedings and has appeared in court twice to enter not guilty pleas.
The sale of The Crown Inn represents a significant moment for the Pishill community, as they look forward to the pub's revival under new ownership, free from the controversies that marked Brand's tenure.
