A couple who met while working at a US airbase is now at the helm of a much-loved pub after the previous owner retired. 

Jake Lancaster, 30, and Lindsay Stutzman, 39, have taken on the freehold of the Red Lion in Hockwold cum Wilton, near Thetford. 

Mr Lancaster, who has an English mother, was born in California in the US, though he has lived in Norfolk for 20 years.

Thetford & Brandon Times: Jake Lancaster and Lindsay Stutzman have taken over The Red Lion from much-loved publican Colin Rogers Jake Lancaster and Lindsay Stutzman have taken over The Red Lion from much-loved publican Colin Rogers (Image: The Red Lion)

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He went to school at the RAF Lakenheath base and his dad was a chief master sergeant stationed at RAF Mildenhall, both in Suffolk, before he retired in 2011. 

Thetford & Brandon Times: The Red Lion pub in Hockwold cum Wilton, near ThetfordThe Red Lion pub in Hockwold cum Wilton, near Thetford (Image: The Red Lion)

Ms Stutzman hails from Ohio and the pair met in 2021 while both working at RAF Lakenheath. 

She still works at the base as a night manager for the club, but Mr Lancaster has left his marketing job there.  

Mr Lancaster, who also has his own DJ business, said: "I've always loved cooking and food and it has been my dream to run my own place.

Thetford & Brandon Times: The Red Lion serves a Sunday carvery, which is popular with customers The Red Lion serves a Sunday carvery, which is popular with customers (Image: The Red Lion)

"I love the atmosphere in English pubs and I have visited many in the Good Pub Guide."

The couple took over the Red Lion from much-loved publicans Colin and Jill Rogers, who wanted to retire after 12 years at the helm.

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Sadly, Mrs Rogers passed away in July this year, but the new owners will make sure her legacy lives on.

Thetford & Brandon Times: They continue to serve Sunday carveries at The Red LionThey continue to serve Sunday carveries at The Red Lion (Image: The Red Lion)

Mr Lancaster added: "They did an incredible job with the place so we will not be making major changes - we are keeping the Sunday carveries and rotating guest ales. 

"We will just be simplifying the menu and we would like to hold food events in the future. 

"Next year we want to do a three-day Country Festival with smoked brisket and surf and turf. 

"The reaction from locals has been incredible so far and it would not have been possible without the Red Lion team."