The Red Lion

Avebury 222

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Mustard Feb 8, 2010 01:15:38

Well I decided to grab some food at The Red Lion on Saturday. I figured it would be a bit better when the pub was quiet and they weren't struggling to cater for the hordes of tourists. Was I ever wrong. I felt insulted paying money for the crap that they pass off as "food" in there. How the hell does anyone manage to serve cold onion rings, for the love of god? And luke-warm baked potatoes? Pretty impressive for a pub with about ten people in it. And then there was the "salad"... a depresing collection of limp, yellow lettuce, accompanied to its grave by a whole cherry tomato. Even a splash of dressing or the option of mayo might have helped salvage it from dull, drab ignominy. Sadly, that would appear to have been an expense too far.

Every couple of years I give this place the benefit of the doubt. I've gotta kick the habit. I felt compelled to share my experience in case anyone else is suffering from faded memories of the atrocious "food" served up in the Lion. Give it a wide berth.

Littlestone Feb 8, 2010 09:26:48

Replying to Mustard

Yes, couldn't agree with you more Mr M.

Apologies if you already know other pubs around Avebury, but if not you can get a much better meal at the Waggon and Horses at Beckhampton, and an even better one at the White Horse Inn at Winterbourne Bassett. Bit more info on both, and other pubs, here - http://aveburymatters.blogspot.com/ (use the word 'Pubs' in the Search This Blog facility there for more info).

Brownie Feb 8, 2010 13:21:09

Replying to Mustard

It really is a shame about the Red Lion.
I visited Avebury for the first time in July last year with my wife and
my 7 year old.
As expected , we loved Avebury however were very much disappointed
with the Red Lion.
Whilst the vibe outside was fantastic with the various "colourful" people
you would expect at Avebury , the pub itself was a dark dreary hole
with an almost unloved feeling about it.
We did stop for a couple of pints (which were , well...just ok..) but
headed off to find somewhere else to eat instead.
Not knowing the area we just stopped at the first decent looking pub
(which I think was the White Horse ?) which was great.
A real shame as I am sure that if somebody put a little effort into it , it
could be a lovely place.

scubi63 Feb 12, 2010 20:13:40

Replying to Mustard

The Red Lion hasn't been my favourite pub in the past. I used to visit it regularly in my 'biker days' but then many years ago (about 20) I took my sons in there for something to eat.
For some reason the landlord at the time refuse to let me bring them into the restaurant side of the pub and said they had to stay outside while I ordered the food. I tried to tell him that there was nobody to look after them and that they were too young to be left on there own so could they just wait by the door so I could see them (and them me). I just got an angry 'NO this is a restaurant not a creche' type response.
I had no choice but to just leave and it annoyed me so much that despite visiting Avebury numerous times, I hadn't ben back in the place until one of the megameets. I suppose it was just part of being a single parent in those days.
i think what I am trying to say is that once a bad reputation has been established it is very difficult to shake off and I imagine that few regular visitors to Avebury eat in there if they have had such an experiences.

The Red Lion definitely needs to reinvent itself as long as its not in plastic and chrome! (imho)

:o)