Family returns to pub after 60 years

If The Red Lion in the Northampton village of Kislingbury feels like home to new licensee Paul Collins, it's not surprising - he has reclaimed control of the pub more than 100 years after his great-grandfather first pulled a pint for the locals.

Following a 60 year exile, the Collins' are back behind the bar after Paul took over the pub from the previous landlady - and he is absolutely delighted.

"It was the only pub I wanted," he said. "It feels really good to be here."

Paul's great-grandfather Benjamin became landlord of the Olde Red Lyon, as it was known then, back in 1903. After he retired in 1929, he passed the torch to Paul's grandfather Victor, who raised his two sons, Moggy, who is Paul's father, and Ben, in the pub.

"My father didn't want to raise his children in a pub so it fell out of the family's hands," said Paul.

Paul has spent £80,000 completely refurbishing the pub, including fitting a new kitchen, after admitting it had a "bit of a bad reputation". He has already kicked out a few regulars for swearing at the bar, and hopes to turn it into a traditional family pub.

And if anyone questions his decisions, Paul can point to a proud history of leadership in his family. Apart from descending from two proud landlords, his uncle was captain of local football club Northampton Town in the forties.

"We've got pictures of the football club all over the pub," he said. "One even has Uncle Ben shaking hands with Stanley Matthews!"