After successfully qualifying in Hotel Management, the Lamb and Flag's Landlord James Lay took his career on a slightly different course. He spent two very happy years as a Redcoat Entertainer at Butlins in Bognor, which then led to a very successful 12 year career at sea, working as Cruise Director for Princess Cruises. As head of entertainment within the hotel department, James has travelled the entire world with Princess and he has been involved in the successful launch of eight brand new 5 star ships. He is thrilled to be back at home, on dry land and is very proud of the product he and his father Paul have created at the Lamb and Flag. As many of you know James spent the first 18 months as "Master of the House" at the Lamb and Flag, however recently James has been offered a position back in entertainment. He is now Director of Entertainment and Experience at Warner Leisure Holidays, he will be running the entertainment in 13 Warner country hotels and coastal resorts around the UK, (14 .... including the Lamb and Flag!) Although James will not be in the 'shop floor' at the Lamb and Flag, he will still be very much part of the business. James has taken on a new Manager to take his place, so ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage, Donna Dobson! Donna is friend and colleague James worked with for many years at Princess Cruises and with James's support, she and James's father Paul, will continue to manage and maintain the high standards our customers have come to expect the NEW Lamb and Flag.
Paul Lay 'Master of the House'
Local Farmer's son, Paul Lay has been a successful publican and hotelier in the Oxfordshire area for over 35 years. Paul was born in Oxford, raised in Hagbourne and has always been a huge Oxford United supporter. During his career with Buccaneer Inns, Paul ran many successful local pubs and resturants, however for the last 20 years Paul has perfered to be his 'own boss' leading pubs and restaurants like the Leather Bottle at Challow Station and the Bell Inn in Wantage. He and his wife Chalisa and new baby son Charlie joined James at the Lamb and Flag back in January 2011.
25 years ago ..
25 Years ago Paul and Christine Lay (James' parents) left the Lamb and Flag, after successfully running it for many years. They lived above the pub with their two young boys James and Edward Lay, who at the time where only 7 and 4 years of age. As you can see the Lamb and Flag has played an important part in our family history and we want to re introduce the community spirit and high standard quality service into this outstanding Oxfordshire public house. First Day at School! James has a picture of himself, hung proudly in 'Dudley's Bar' of his first day at school with the Lamb and Flag in the background! Paul and his eldest son James have given the Lamb and Flag a a fresh new look, adding an outstanding English and authentic Thai Menu.
Landlord Dirty Dudley
I am sure many local people will remember the Lamb and Flag which was once run by Dirty Dudley, who was a famous local landlord. The reason people remember him is because he was a character, who was loved by the locals and was the centre of the community, Paul and his highly trained and motivated new team will bring this Pub and Restaurant to life, Paul and James promise to offer quality food, served in a classic, contemporary setting with excellent service and value for money. Paul and James have paid tribute to the legend Dirty Dudley by renaming the bar within the Lamb and Flag 'Dudley's Bar'! We have also managed recently to find some incredible pictures of 'Dirty Dudley' behind the bar at the Lamb and Flag, they are now on display in Dudley's Bar.
