The Red Lion, a traditional Fuller’s pub situated in the town centre of Ealing, West London has been sold via Christie & Co off an asking price of £200k for the leasehold to Edin Basic, an experienced operator and co-founder of Firezza, the 23 site restaurant group acquired by Pizza Express in 2016.
Situated in a mixed commercial and residential area, the well established pub comprises a main bar with original features including fireplaces and wood panelled walls, a dining and lounge bar area on a raised level, a substantial beer garden and additional picnic bench seating to the front, accommodating over 150 covers throughout. On the first floor, a three bedroom flat with a lounge and kitchen provides owner’s accommodation.
Previous owners, Pasquale Chionchio and Angelo Ambrosio also own and operate the neighbouring business, Santa Maria, a traditional Neapolitan pizzeria, and acquired Red Lion a few years ago to expand their operations. They decided to go into partnership with the new lease owner.
Returning to the hospitality industry, new owner, Edin Basic plans to focus on increasing the traditional pub trade and has partnered with Pasqaule and Angelo from Santa Maria, which will continue to provide food for the pub.
Basic said, “I’m going to keep serving pizzas because people love it – and I know a thing or two about pizzas! I want to keep the traditional aspect of the pub with a slow refurbishment so that it has more original features. I hope to keep the original pub feeling but with a different service style and a classic look, with staff in white shirts and ties and cocktails, wine by the glass and craft beers.
“Matt Cooper, Music Director for famous jazz band Incognito will be our music and entertainment manager. We will introduce live acoustic jazz performances for singers and songwriters every week starting 17th November. We will also remain open until 1am on Thursday through Saturday.”
Stewart Harkness, Associate Director at Christie & Co who handled the sale, commented, “We believe that with the many years of experience in the trade and with the position of this traditional Fuller’s pub, Edin will be able to increase the popularity of the great venue on the edge of the town centre.'
