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Russell Brand’s Oxfordshire Pub ‘Eyesore’ Sparks Local Outcry
Comedian and actor Russell Brand is facing criticism for the neglected state of his £850,000 Oxfordshire pub, with residents denouncing the deteriorating building as an “eyesore”. The 49-year-old has drawn increasing displeasure from villagers in Pishill, Oxfordshire, due to the disrepair of the 600-year-old Grade II-listed pub, The Crown Inn, which he purchased in December 2021 for £850,000. Despite acquiring the property, Brand has never opened it to the public, leading to mounting local frustration over its current condition.
Controversial Plans and Subsequent Neglect
Brand initially provoked widespread anger with proposals to convert the historic pub into an “alt-right media hub,” envisioned as a venue for conspiracy theory gatherings and a broadcasting base for his Rumble podcast. These contentious plans were eventually retracted following significant community opposition and pressure from the local council.
Since abandoning the redevelopment project, the site has reportedly been left to deteriorate. Visible signs of neglect include broken windows held together with tape, an overgrown garden, and incomplete construction work. Consequently, residents are now calling for Brand to divest himself of the pub.
Fading Hope and Relocation Concerns
Hopes for a resolution are diminishing as Brand has reportedly relocated to Florida, where he has established what locals describe as his “conspiracy media hub” in Miami. This move has amplified concerns about the future of The Crown Inn in Pishill.
Local Resident Expresses “Tragedy” and Speculation
Caroline Dempsey, a close neighbour of the property, described the pub’s present condition as “tragic,” expressing fears that Brand may be deliberately allowing it to fall into disrepair. She raised concerns that The Crown Inn, along with the adjacent Grade II-listed pub The Barn, both sites of historical significance, could be intentionally neglected “to fall into disrepair until the site as a whole can be sold to developers at great profit to Russell Brand.”
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Concerns Over Intentional Deterioration
Dempsey elaborated, suggesting: “This may take years while in the meantime, it all becomes a sad, neglected, overgrown eyesore.” While villagers initially welcomed the prospect of new ownership, Dempsey indicated that local patience has now worn thin.
She stated: “I believe that the most prevalent opinion within our community is that it really is time for him to walk away from The Crown and let someone else have a go at making it work.”
Fears of Redevelopment
With Brand’s absence and no apparent plans for the pub, residents are concerned that the only likely outcome is a sale to housing developers. Dempsey speculated that the value of the site could reach “possibly, £2 million” if further deterioration makes it more appealing for demolition and redevelopment.
“We were once open-minded and supportive… but this isn’t it. I would say that for all concerned, the game and time is up,” she concluded.
Further Local Frustration Voiced
Another resident, Josh Robinson-Ward, echoed the widespread discontent. He expressed his frustration, stating: “He bought it for a low price, he’s made a lot of money from his platform filming there and he likely doesn’t care for now.”
“It’s standing cold and empty at the moment. There’s no legal obligation to open it. Letting it rot would make it difficult to sell,” Robinson-Ward added, highlighting the lack of immediate solutions for the community.
Legal Issues Loom for Brand
Brand is scheduled to return to the UK to face serious allegations, including five sex offence charges involving four women, relating to incidents between 1999 and 2005. The charges, formally brought on April 4, are the result of investigations initiated by Channel 4’s Dispatches documentary and reporting by The Sunday Times. Brand has denied all allegations, describing his past behaviour as that of a “fool man.”