Pub named best of the season by campaign group

A PUB in Whitchurch Hill has been awarded Pub of the Season by South Oxfordshire’s Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

John O’Grady, 63, and his partner Svitlana Hordiyko, 60, took over the Sun in Whitchurch Hill in May 2025.

The couple moved from Cambridgeshire after stepping down from running the Red Lion in Swaffham Prior. The Batemans-owned pub was awarded two CAMRA accolades for most improved pub and rural pub of the year.

In his 25 years, he has run six pubs, including two in Northampton, two in Bedford, one in Cambridge and now this one in South Oxfordshire.

Moving from a tied house to a free house now allows Mr O’Grady to buy and sell what he likes. This includes Cruzcampo, Moretti, Fosters, Inch’s, Tutts Clump and a selection of fresh cobs. Mr O’Grady said: “The award is a reflection of how we run the pub. We focus on serving a wide variety of quality ales, including Cruzcampo, Moretti and ciders, such as Inches.

“This is my fifth accolade in 25 years from CAMRA, and I am proud of them all.

“We are delighted with the latest award because we worked hard for it. We created a warm and welcoming atmosphere here at the pub and the aim is to make the Sun shine every day.” Mr O’Grady said his favourite ale from the current collection is Hocus Pocus from Loddon Brewery.

He plans to host two beer festivals and music events next year and plan a fundraiser for the Save Our Spire campaign for St Mary's church in Whitchurch.