A small British countryside town has become the center of an unexpected international stir after reports emerged that Vice President J.D. Vance was turned away from a popular local pub following a staff walkout threat.

The Bull, a well-known pub in Charlbury, Oxfordshire, is no stranger to high-profile visitors. Just weeks ago, former Vice President Kamala Harris dined there during a pre-wedding celebration for Eve Jobs, daughter of the late Apple founder Steve Jobs.

But when Vance, the newly minted Vice President of America, attempted to make a reservation during his stay in the Cotswolds, the mood among the pub’s staff reportedly turned tense.

According to a Thursday newsletter by Popb—-, staff at the pub told management they would not come to work if the restaurant allowed Vance to dine. The reason for the staff’s refusal to serve him has not been officially confirmed, but the move has raised eyebrows, especially given the pub’s warm welcome of Harris just weeks earlier.

The Bull, a 16th-century building known for its award-winning cuisine and scenic views, holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand — a distinction that recognizes excellent food at reasonable prices. Its reputation for charm and quality now shares headlines with reports of political friction and protest.

Charlbury, the otherwise quiet village nestled near the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, became the unexpected backdrop for both political tension and protest. During Vance’s visit, a small but lively demonstration dubbed the “Dance Against Vance” took place nearby. Protesters carried signs calling him a “war criminal” and displayed memes mocking his appearance.

Locals in nearby Dean, where Vance and his family were staying in an 18th-century manor house, also expressed concern. The influx of black SUVs and a visible Secret Service presence caused unease among some residents. According to local officials, there were complaints about limited public access and unusual door-to-door inquiries.

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“We’ve had a curtailment of our freedoms here, just by his mere presence, in terms of where we can walk and where we can be,” said Steve Akers, the deputy mayor of Chipping Norton, a nearby town. He also suggested that American agents had asked residents about their social media accounts.

However, Thames Valley Police, the local authority assisting with security during the visit, denied that agents requested information about Facebook profiles or any social media accounts. A spokesperson said residents were not obligated to speak and were not questioned about their online activity.

On Thursday, Vance traveled north to Scotland. His first full day there included a round of golf at the Turnberry resort — a course owned by former President Donald Trump, who visited the same location just weeks prior.

Neither Vance’s team nor the pub’s ownership has commented publicly on the alleged booking rejection. Staff at The Bull referred media questions to the Public House Group, the company that owns the venue.

For now, the story continues to ripple across social media and news outlets in both the U.K. and U.S., as residents and readers wonder: What really happened behind the scenes at one of Britain’s most talked-about pubs?