Russell Brand has reportedly sold his historic country pub in Oxfordshire for close to £1 million after local residents successfully opposed his proposals to transform the establishment into a recording studio. The controversial comedian, who is scheduled to stand trial in October on charges of allegedly raping and sexually assaulting six women, originally purchased the Crown Inn in Pishill six years ago.
Community Opposition Halts Brand's Plans
The 15th-century watering hole, which serves as the only pub in the village of Pishill, had been a popular destination for both residents and visitors before Brand acquired the property in March 2020. Following his purchase, the site fell into a state of dereliction after multiple planning applications to convert the space into a recording studio were rejected by authorities.
Brand's initial application was refused after more than fifty neighbours lodged formal complaints about the proposed changes. When a second application prompted further objections from the community, Brand ultimately withdrew his plans entirely.
New Ownership Brings Hope for Revival
The pub may soon reopen to patrons after reportedly being purchased by John Bloomer, group secretary of the National Farmers' Union, for £975,000. This represents a significant profit of approximately £125,000 over what Brand originally paid for the property six years earlier.
Local residents have described the new landlord as "absolutely charming," expressing relief that the establishment will likely return to its original purpose. Freddie van Mierlo, the Member of Parliament for the area, told the Henley Standard: "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."
Van Mierlo added: "I'm so pleased that this much-loved pub is back in good hands. I wish the new owners huge success and I'm sure they will be well supported by the community."
Historical Significance and Controversial Use
Before Brand's ownership, the Crown Inn served as a fixture of the Oxfordshire countryside, featuring a former coaching inn dating back to the 15th century along with outdoor seating, a car park, a detached barn, a two-bedroom cottage, and a garage.
Neighbours revealed to the Daily Mail in August last year that Brand had constructed a shed at the rear of the pub, which they claimed functioned as a secret podcast studio for recording episodes of his controversial program. Since stepping away from mainstream media, Brand has reinvented himself as a truth-teller focused on "revolutionary politics and spiritual awakenings," streaming his content across various video platforms.
Residents alleged that even before receiving any official approval, Brand had been using the space to record YouTube videos and podcasts, as well as to host meetings that sometimes brought "20 or 30" cars onto the narrow country road.
Abandonment and Legal Proceedings
When the Daily Mail visited the pub last year, the shed—like the rest of the abandoned establishment—stood completely deserted, with neighbours claiming the celebrity had "fled the village" following numerous planning disputes.
Brand first gained fame as a comedian in the late 2000s and early 2010s, appearing in several major films including St Trinian's and Forgetting Sarah Marshall. In recent years, he has transitioned to working as a podcaster and influencer.
The comedian will face trial in October over allegations of rape and sexual assault. Brand, who maintains a home in the UK but currently resides in the United States, is accused of three counts of rape, three charges of sexual assault, and one allegation of indecent assault. Six women have come forward with claims dating from 1999 to 2009, all of which Brand denies.
The Daily Mail has approached both Russell Brand and John Bloomer for comment regarding the property sale and the future of the historic Oxfordshire pub.
