Why Did Ed Miliband Visit The Marr Lodge Pub?

Imagine your favourite local spot, the place where everyone knows everyone, suddenly disappearing. That’s exactly what happened to the people near Marr Lodge in Doncaster. This isn't just any old pub; it's a proper community hub that went through a nightmare but has come back stronger than ever. The story of its recovery is so remarkable that it even caught the attention of local Doncaster MP, Ed Miliband, who popped in on 25 November 2025 to see the amazing transformation for himself and show his support. It's a tale about more than just bricks and mortar; it’s about community spirit, resilience, and a fantastic carvery.

A night that changed everything

Back in 2024, something awful happened at Marr Lodge. The pub was the target of a shocking arson attack. This wasn't just a small incident; it was a petrol bomb attack that caused massive damage and put people’s lives in danger. The fire left the building so badly wrecked that it had to shut its doors completely. For the regulars and the local communities of Marr and Hickleton, this closure was a massive blow. A community pub is often the centre of village life, a place for a quiet pint, a family meal, or a catch-up with mates. When it's suddenly gone, it leaves a huge hole. The forced closure meant the team lost their workplace, and the people lost their meeting place for nearly a whole year. It was a really tough time for everyone involved.

The £1.2 million rebuild journey

After the devastating fire, the pub’s owners, a company called Pub People, knew they had to do something. They decided to rebuild, but this was no small job. It was a massive project that took 11 long months and cost a staggering £1.2 million. Think about that for a second. That's a huge amount of cash, all dedicated to bringing this beloved pub back from the ashes. The team at Pub People managed the entire complex rebuild, dealing with everything from insurance headaches to the nitty-gritty of construction. The goal wasn't just to repair the damage but to make Marr Lodge even better than before. This whole process was a massive undertaking, a true story of recovery against the odds, driven by the determination to restore a vital part of the local area. The successful rebuild was a testament to the hard work of everyone involved.

A special visit to show support

When a place means so much to so many people, its reopening is a big deal. The story of the pub’s recovery reached Ed Miliband, the Doncaster MP. He was invited by the Pub People team to come and see the results of all their hard work. So, during a busy lunchtime service, Ed Miliband made a visit. This wasn’t just a quick handshake and a photo opportunity. He really took the time to chat with the people behind the comeback. He met the pub's licensee, Michelle Allison, and the Managing Director of Pub People, Andy Crawford. He even spent time talking with the chef and, just as importantly, some of the regulars who were clearly delighted to have their local back.

The visit was a chance for Miliband to hear firsthand about the journey, from the night of the fire to the triumphant reopening in August. Commenting on his visit, Ed Miliband said:

“It’s great to see that Marr Lodge has now reopened after the terrible fire which forced them to close their doors for almost a year.”

“Marr Lodge plays an important role for the communities in Marr, Hickleton and the surrounding villages, and it’s fantastic to see the reinvigorated pub back on its feet. The food was delicious, the team were brilliant, and I look forward to my next visit!”

More than just great food and cask ales

Over lunch, the conversation between Miliband and the pub team covered a lot of ground. They talked about the challenges after the fire and the fantastic welcome the pub has received since it started trading again. This kind of support shows just how much the community pub was missed. A pub like Marr Lodge offers amazing dining experiences, from its famous traditional carvery that keeps the regulars coming back, to a new modern evening menu designed to attract a wider customer base. And for those who appreciate a good pint, Pub People are known for their great range of cask ales, often working with local suppliers to keep things authentic.

But as the Managing Director Andy Crawford pointed out, it’s about more than just the food and drink. He said:

“The visit was a reminder of how central pubs are to local communities, and how important it is for politicians to understand both the opportunities and pressures our industry faces. We appreciated Mr Miliband taking the time to listen and even enjoy one of our new dishes while he was here.”

The licensee, Michelle Allison, also shared how much the visit meant to her and the team.

“It was so lovely having Ed Miliband in. He took the time to chat to the team and even said how good our beautiful carvery looked. After everything we’ve been through, it means the world to see the pub buzzing again. This place is very special to a lot of people round here, and the support since we reopened has been brilliant.”

The reopening has not only brought a social hub back to life but has also created 25 jobs, providing a big boost for the local economy. The strong footfall since August proves that the hard work and investment in the recovery have well and truly paid off. The pub is buzzing again with a mix of loyal regulars and new faces, all enjoying the fantastic atmosphere and delicious food.