Having spent 25 years living in and around Eaton, I’ve visited both of the village’s pubs more times than I can count.
After featuring The Cellar House, it seemed only right to turn my attention to The Red Lion. Both sit at the heart of the village, but they offer very different experiences.
The Red Lion dates back to 1643 and has the character you would expect from a pub with so much history. Warped wooden beams run across the ceilings, a suit of armour stands guard inside and the fire makes it feel particularly cosy during the winter months.
The bar sits in the middle of the pub, with the main dining areas on either side. You can stop for a drink, but The Red Lion feels more like a pub-restaurant than somewhere you would settle in for an evening at the bar. The atmosphere is relaxed and traditional, making it a good choice for couples, families and larger groups.
The menu offers plenty of variety, from familiar pub dishes such as steaks and burgers to fish including skate and halibut. There are also vegetarian, gluten-free and children’s options, alongside dishes that offer something a little different, such as teriyaki-glazed ribs.
The food has always been well cooked and the portions are generous. In all the years I’ve been visiting, I’ve never had a bad meal – or felt inclined to have a dessert. The main dishes are vast!
The service is another reason we keep returning. The team are attentive, friendly and usually happy to stop for a quick chat, so the experience never feels rushed or impersonal.
The Red Lion also offers a takeaway service, with a shorter menu available to order in advance and collect at a chosen time. We recently used it for a family lunch and were really pleased with how everything turned out. It meant we could enjoy a proper pub meal together from the comfort of my parents’ home.
The pub is dog friendly and has its own car park. There is a small outdoor seating area, although it sits beside the parking area, so it is not the most scenic spot for a summer drink.
It can get very busy, particularly at popular dining times, so booking ahead is recommended.
With its historic setting, relaxed atmosphere and reliably good food, The Red Lion remains one of Eaton’s most dependable places for a hearty meal.
