Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, Member of Parliament for Doncaster North and Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, has visited Marr Lodge in Doncaster to show his support for the much-loved community pub, which reopened in August following a £1.2 million rebuild.

The pub was severely damaged in a petrol bomb attack in 2024, putting lives at risk and forcing its closure for nearly a year. Mr Miliband was invited to see the transformation by the team at Pub People, the pub’s owners, who led the complex 11-month rebuild and reinstatement programme.

During the visit, which took place during lunchtime service, Mr Miliband met with the team behind the pub’s recovery, including licensee Michelle Allison and Pub People Managing Director Andy Crawford. He also took time to speak with the chef and several pub regulars.

Over lunch, the discussion covered the events of the fire, the insurance and operational challenges that followed, and the warm welcome the revamped pub has received since trading resumed in the summer. Mr Miliband also listened to insights about the pub’s role in its rural community, sector trends and the growing demand for both carvery and evening dining experiences.

Commenting on the visit, Mr 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!”

Licensee Michelle Allison says: “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.”

Andy Crawford, Managing Director at Pub People, adds: “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.”

Since reopening, Marr Lodge has reinstated 25 jobs and seen extremely strong footfall, with the traditional carvery continuing to draw loyal regulars, while a new modern evening menu is attracting a broader customer base.

For more info or to book, visit: marrlodge.co.uk.