The Red Lion
Get fed by some of the most admirably knowledgeable in the business.
Review
The Red Lion is a typical pub by name, but by no means a typical pub by
nature. Hoping for pork-scratchings, beer-mat pyramids and
belching contests? Then you're better off heading to your local
Wetherspoon's. This is an establishment that adheres to the new-era
laws of The Gastropub - 'cosy cappuccino' paint, contemporary art and
oh-so-trendy driftwood sculptures.
The worry was that it would constitute the dining equivalent to Victoria Beckham - all designer labels and Botox but with little personality. This could not be further from the truth. The whole experience is one run by foodies for foodies, following the basic principles of quality ingredients and interesting combinations. This is never more clearly demonstrated than on their legendary ”steak night“ (a mid-week Wednesday treat). Quality cuts of cow are presented to potential vendors on a steak board, with explanations as to the benefit of each cut and how they are best cooked.
But what's the point of having such lovely grub if you don't have something equally agreeable to wash it down with? Thankfully The Red Lion's team have thought of that - the wine collection would out-do that of the most pompous of drunks. Not only is the list endless, but it also includes treats such as the Rothschild's Paulliac; a bottle of red that also serves as the house wine at Buckingham Palace (well if it's good enough for her Majesty...).
Attentive and chatty, the staff's passion for food (and more importantly, boozy drinks) is infectious. Their menu knowledge is regularly tested (we hope the winner gets a gold star), and they are even sent for specialist wine training.
All in all this is one establishment that attempts go to above and beyond what is demanded of it. The prices are most definitely not bargain basement, but they won't rinse your overdraft either, and you're paying for quality. The lion may be the king of the jungle but The Red Lion is the king of red wine, red meat and general incREDibleness.
Charlotte Coltman
The worry was that it would constitute the dining equivalent to Victoria Beckham - all designer labels and Botox but with little personality. This could not be further from the truth. The whole experience is one run by foodies for foodies, following the basic principles of quality ingredients and interesting combinations. This is never more clearly demonstrated than on their legendary ”steak night“ (a mid-week Wednesday treat). Quality cuts of cow are presented to potential vendors on a steak board, with explanations as to the benefit of each cut and how they are best cooked.
But what's the point of having such lovely grub if you don't have something equally agreeable to wash it down with? Thankfully The Red Lion's team have thought of that - the wine collection would out-do that of the most pompous of drunks. Not only is the list endless, but it also includes treats such as the Rothschild's Paulliac; a bottle of red that also serves as the house wine at Buckingham Palace (well if it's good enough for her Majesty...).
Attentive and chatty, the staff's passion for food (and more importantly, boozy drinks) is infectious. Their menu knowledge is regularly tested (we hope the winner gets a gold star), and they are even sent for specialist wine training.
All in all this is one establishment that attempts go to above and beyond what is demanded of it. The prices are most definitely not bargain basement, but they won't rinse your overdraft either, and you're paying for quality. The lion may be the king of the jungle but The Red Lion is the king of red wine, red meat and general incREDibleness.
Charlotte Coltman
Tags
wine |
restaurant |
gastropub |
dinner |
meat |
