After nearly two decades at the helm of Stone’s oldest pub, Tanya Moran is calling last orders on her time at the Red Lion. Her departure marks the end of an era for a pub that’s been central to the town’s social scene.
From family ties to landlady life
Tanya took over the Red Lion in 2006, but her connection to the pub runs deeper, her in-laws owned it in the 1980s. In fact, a few of the regulars she serves today once raised a pint under their watch too. That blend of history and familiarity is part of what’s made the Red Lion such a constant on Stone’s High Street.
“It’s always just been a proper pub,” Tanya says. “Being on the High Street means it’s nobody’s local in the usual sense, it’s a pub you’re coming out to. Sports, darts, a pint in the garden. I’ve never tried to make it anything it’s not.”
A pub that’s grown with her
Over the years, the Red Lion has changed shape, giving it a reputation for being a bit of a Tardis! What’s been a constant is the snug at the front, sports on the TV, and always a warm welcome.
Like many pubs, it saw a shift in its crowd post-Covid, some faces moved on, others arrived. “That was one of the bigger changes,” Tanya reflects. “The rhythm of the place changed. But that’s pub life, you learn to roll with it.”
What she’ll miss, and what she won’t
Being landlady of a busy High Street pub is no easy ride. Early mornings, long nights, and a trade that never truly lets you switch off. “That’s the bit I won’t miss,” she admits. “The constant wondering about what’s going on, is there going to be an issue with the payment system, the beer order or a customer who’s had one too many!”
But walking away from the community? That’s harder.
“I’ll miss the banter more than anything. The customers, the regular chaos, the sense of being part of something in the town. It’s been a privilege.”
For those who only know her from the pub, it might come as a surprise to learn that Tanya is actually an analytical chemist by trade. But perhaps it’s not such a leap after all.
“There’s more science behind a decent pint than people think,” she says. “From cellar temperatures to carbonation, it’s all about consistency, balance and a bit of chemistry.”
The soundtrack to her Red Lion years
When asked to pick three songs that sum up her time as landlady, Tanya chose a trio that will ring true to anyone who’s worked in, or drunk in a pub:
- Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond – “Because of course. Is it even a pub without it?”
- All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey – “Every December, without fail… a bar staff nightmare!”
- Madness by Madness – “Because honestly? It has been. In the best possible way.”
A quiet goodbye
There’s no fanfare planned, on 8th May, Tanya will hand over the keys and let the new landlady, Vikki Warrilow, take the reins. But her mark on the Red Lion, and on Stone’s wider hospitality scene, is one that won’t be forgotten in a hurry.
After 19 years of running a pub that’s seen it all, she’s earned a well-deserved rest, and perhaps a pint or two on the other side of the bar.
We wish Tanya the best for the future and welcome Vikki who has some big Dr. Martens to fill!
1 comment
Marie Clubb
Wow Tanya cant believe how that time has gone. You made that pub and so many memories from when Angus was alive and me I even worked filling in as a barmaid when your inlaws were there. So many great memories and friends never to be forgotten – Wish you well as you get to sit back and relax a bit!