Villagers in "a strong position" to buy Ickleton Lion pub

A village campaign to buy and save their local pub raised over £440,000.

The Ickleton Lion opened as a public house in 1728, but, now the last remaining pub in the village, closed its doors in July 2023, and was put up for sale by owners Greene King. 

In the summer of 2024, residents called on locals, businesses and philanthropists to help raise £450,000 in a bid to buy the pub and open it as a community-owned asset, protecting it from potential redevelopment.

Campaigners had until their extended share offer closed, on Sunday 15 September 2024, to raise the funds.

Rachel Radford, Chair of Ickleton Lionhearted, spoke to Star Radio:

"The Lion has been serving the local communities of Ickleton, Hinxton, Duxford, Great Chesterford and beyond for three centuries. 

"In World War II it was a popular haunt for US airmen, and in recent years an intellectual retreat for scientists at the nearby Wellcome Genome Campus and thirst quencher for cyclists along Route 11.

"We want a thriving pub at the heart of our village again."

On Monday 16 September 2024, the campaign announced it had raised £440,250, putting the village in "a strong position" to purchase the pub from Greene King.