Russell Brand sells pub for almost £1m after angry locals block studio plans | UK | News

Russell Brand has reportedly sold his historic country pub for almost £1 million after neighbors rejected an offer to turn it into a recording studio. The controversial comedian, who faces a rape trial later this year, bought the Crown Inn in Pishill, Oxfordshire, in 2020.

He twice applied to turn the 15th-century boozer into a recording studio for his online videos and podcasts, but was met with fierce resistance from locals. its first offer rejected Following complaints from more than 50 neighbors. Brand(50) withdrew his application after receiving more complaints about his second application.

Planners had argued that Brand’s representatives had failed to provide information. He thought The Crown Inn was economically “unviable” as a business.

Henley Standard It was first reported that the pub had been sold to a local businessman for £975,000; this is around £125,000 more than Brand reportedly paid.

According to the same publication, National Farmers Union Group Secretary John Bloomer is the new owner of the facility.

Freddie van Mierlo, the Liberal Democrat MP for Henley, told the newspaper: “I’m so happy for residents who have had their local pub closed for years by a ‘celebrity’ to record self-promotion and conspiratorial YouTube content.

“I’m delighted that this much-loved pub is in good hands again. I wish the new owners great success and I’m sure they will be well supported by the community.”

Brand made his name as a comedian in the late 2000s and early 2010s, but has since reinvented himself as a podcaster and influencer.

The comedian is accused of three counts of rape, three sexual assaults and one indecent assault against six women he allegedly committed crimes from 1999 to 2009.

Brand and Mr. Bloomer have been reached for comment.