Marcus Welford�s Red Lion Inn �The Perfect Local� says award-winning olive magazine

The June edition of olive* (on sale now) has tipped the owner and landlord of the Red Lion Inn, Stathern, in the Vale of Belvoir, Marcus Welford, as best up-and-coming pub landlord 2009. Marcus has been singled out as part of a feature highlighting the rising stars of Britain�s thriving food and drink scene � including the most exciting new chefs, winemakers and entrepreneurs.

Reviewers paid a visit to the Inn in the dark days of the New Year, braving awful weather, short days and dark nights. Despite the conditions, olive�s reviewers said Marcus was doing �something special� and that the Red Lion might just be �the perfect local.�

The feature showcases 21 people olive magazine rates as rising stars in the world of British food and drink, ranging from the best British pub landlord, in this case, Marcus, to fishmongers and chocolate�makers.

Editors spent much time and careful thought compiling their shortlist of the up-and- coming stars of the British food scene with Marcus singled out as an example of what a pub landlord should strive to be. Marcus is delighted, not just for himself, but for the whole team: �We were thrilled to learn of this accolade, especially from such a prestigious title that is both highly-respected and very popular with food and drink enthusiasts all over the world. We are delighted that our offering has been recognised in such a way, and it reflects the efforts made by the whole team to provide the very best hospitality and comfort combined with wonderful food and drink in the time-honoured fashion of British pubs. �

Many of the fruit and vegetables served in either of the 2 bars or the more formal dining room have been grown on the Red Lion�s own allotment at the end of their garden � a singular and highly successful recent enterprise that guarantees maximum freshness and fewest-ever food miles travelled for food served in the pub, itself full of rustic charm with checked tablecloths and napkins that help to set the traditional pub scene. Also on offer is an extensive wine list and a good selection of local and fruit beers, Belvoir cordials, hedgerow liqueurs and country cocktails. The Red Lion Inn is a famous part of the local Vale of Belvoir gastronomic tradition, having also been voted as the pub with the �Best Local Produce Menu� in the recent Leicestershire and Rutland Restaurant Awards, and the �AA Pub of the Year 2006�.

Ring the Red Lion Inn on 01949-860868 to reserve a table. - end -

For further information or images contact Parkhouse PR: T: 01480-896866; e-mail: parkhousepr@aol.com; mobile: 07971-532708 4/5/09 Notes to Editors:

*ABC audited figures for olive magazine: 88,944 monthly readers (May 09)

1. Sean Hope and business partners Ben Jones and Marcus Welford also run the Michelin-starred sister pub the Olive Branch at Clipsham and the upmarket, luxurious B & B venue Beech House opposite; visit wwwtherutlandinncompany.co.uk for more information. 2. Key Awards for The Rutland Inn Company Ltd: The Red Lion, Stathern: Michelin Bib Gourmand; AA Pub of the Year 2006, �Best Local Produce Menu 2007� (Leics and Rutland Restaurants Awards 2007) The Olive Branch, Clipsham: One Michelin Star, Michelin Pub of the Year 2008; Gold Award for Best Pub in the �East Midlands Tourism Enjoy England Excellence Awards 2007 The Beech House, Clipsham: AA 4 Star Inn 2006

3. The Red Lion Inn in the village of Stathern is surrounded by the beautiful open countryside of The Vale of Belvoir, popular with walkers, riders and shooting parties. The Red Lion Inn has been the village pub and hostelry since the 17th Century, and it is said that the death warrant for Charles 1st was signed at the inn, as the local squire, Francis Hacker, was the Colonel in charge of the King�s execution.