Locals furious as Russell Brand rumoured to be turning village’s only pub into vegan diner

Locals have reacted furiously to the rumour that Russell Brand is planning on turning the only pub in a village nearby to where he lives into a vegan diner.

Last year, it was reported that the comedian and his wife Laura Gallacher had bought The Crown Inn in Pishill in Oxfordshire for roughly £850,000.

The venue is said to be the only drinking hole in the village, which is situated near Henley-on-Thames where Brand and Gallacher reside.

Alongside the pub, which dates back to the 15th century, the property includes a separate barn that can be used for events as well as a two-bedroom cottage.

Google Maps

Although Brand, who is vegan himself, is yet to confirm himself that he'll be turning the venue into a plant-based eatery, the mere suggestion of it has left locals angry.

Speaking to The Sun, one resident who chose to remain anonymous said: "We’ve heard he’s planning to turn the pub into a vegan restaurant.

"Why would anybody want that? He clearly never had any intention of using the pub as a pub.

"He doesn’t even drink alcohol. Why buy a pub if you don’t like drink?"

The outlet went on to say that the 47-year-old star is planning to build a recording studio in the property's garage area, with an application having been filed with South Oxfordshire District Council.

Planning documents state: "The entire property has recently undergone a change of ownership and the public house is temporarily closed whilst plans to refurbish the building and formulate the nature of the new establishment are put in place."

A report by The Herald Series earlier this month suggested that the pub is currently being used by freelance studio staff with the hopes of them being relocated into the studio when it is built.

It is believed a decision will be made by 27 September, although this is yet to be confirmed.

Moviestore Collection Ltd/Alamy Stock Photo

Back in July, Brand invited poet Mr Gee and comedian Paul Foot to join him for a stand-up show at The Crown Inn.

It's believed he could use the studio to record videos for his YouTube channel, where he's garnered a huge following by regularly sharing his thoughts on current goings on in the world.

Some of the issues Brand has taken shots at in his recent videos include private health care companies, Amazon's palm payment system and contradiction in the media.

LADbible has contacted a representative for Brand for comment.