The Red Lion

A lot can be said about a pub from its brand of snacks.  For example, Walkers crisps = bog standard chain, Mr Porky pork scratchings = independent, friendly and traditional.  The Red Lion isn't either of those, as they stock Tyrells - crisps for the pretentious.  I've mentioned it before, but no one likes expensive Play-doh flavoured crisps.  No one.  Nor do they want to sit and eat some pickled olives.  For the love of god, just give us some good old roasted pig skin.
It's no wonder most of the clientèle here are athletes (you'll see cricket bats and tennis rackets under almost every seat) they need to be, for the pub is so huge you need some good stamina to keep walking to the bar and back.  We took the easy option and moved from the garden to inside.
It is great to see non-smoking seating areas outside though, which many pubs lack.  Inside is incredibly spacious without that lost empty feeling.  The drinks on offer are okay, the usual Fuller ales, a very expensive wine list and some delicious farm apple juice.   Just a shame about the snacks really.
-Alex

Pub facilities / features: Food served Real ale Snacks (rubbish) WiFi Outside seating Carpark
Orange & Amaretto, Ringden Farm apple juice: £5.83	Alex - 7.1 Dave - ? Oliver - ?