A quaint pub in the English countryside caused a stir after reportedly refusing to serve JD Vance.
The Vice President was reportedly set to visit a local gastro-pub while on vacation in England, but had to quickly alter his plans. Vance has been vacationing with his wife, Usha Vance, 39, and their three kids. His visit stirred up controversy as locals complained about the disruption caused by police convoys and helicopters accompanying him.
It has since been reported that a group of staff members took a stand. It’s believed Vance had reservations at the Bull Pub, which recently hosted former US Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
However, the staff at the Bull Pub were reportedly not thrilled about the planned visit from the Vance family and threatened to walk out if his reservation was honored.
Richard Fairhurst, who runs the local Charlbury community blog, told The Daily Mail, “It’s very widely believed locally [that staff refused to serve Vance] but The Bull are keeping schtum.”
The entertainment blog Popbitch also reported, “The mutinous staff all said they wouldn’t come to work if they had to serve Vance and his wife. Facing staff grumbles and a barrage of negative press attention, The Bull refused his patronage.”
However, a source from Vance’s team downplayed the alleged incident, stating, “The Bull was included as a potential option for lunch, but the family ultimately decided not to go. There was never any indication from the Bull that he or his family were not welcome.”
The Bull is owned by renowned florist, Willow Crossley, whose floral designs graced the 2018 royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.
The US Vice President was welcomed by Foreign Secretary David Lammy at Chevening House in Kent on last week – a Grade 1 listed estate featuring sprawling gardens, a lake and a maze.
The White House confirmed, “The Vice President and Foreign Secretary will discuss a variety of topics pertaining to the US-UK relationship.”
Locals in the Cotswolds, where Vance is reportedly spending a large chunk of his time abroad, have ridiculed the Vice President on social media, with particular backlash towards the “ridiculous” size of his motorcade.
A 58-second video taken by a surprised bystander and posted on social media shows the extent of the motorcade, with one user comparing it to the King’s entourage.