The Red Lion (JD Wetherspoon), Bitterne, Southampton

Pleasant suburban Spoons with an attractive circular exterior swoosh courtesy of an upper balcony, with a commanding position overlooking the pedestrianised shopping centre. A 2017 opener, the inside is a mix of pleasant burgundy and cream shades with a nice laid-back feel on a late Saturday morning. There’s also a small quiet area upstairs, ideal for readers. A platoon of friendly and helpful young staff in situ. Three guest cask, my Hanlons Devon Dark was tidy (NBSS 3.5). A good all-rounder. 7.5

As described below, this pub occupies a commanding position overlooking Bitterne’s pedestrian area in an almost dystopian setting, making us feel we could be attacked by zombies at any time. Thankfully this didn’t happen, probably because the undead were actually in the ‘Spoons when we went in, or so it seemed. That probably also explained the décor, as it was nowhere near Hallowe’en. The staff were unusually thick for a ‘Spoons - maybe they were also existentially challenged, there was a group at the side playing darts, and there were more gaming machines than you might expect. Ales on were Abbott, Ruddles, Doombar, Oakham JHB, Salopian Hop Twister and Citra Pale Ale. We risked the curry, which was from the standard list, but it was differently prepared: crunchy rice, chewy poppadoms and naan bread with the texture of nougat. Not Tim’s (Martin, not Burton) best by a long way.

Official site of The Red Lion (JD Wetherspoon) - www.jdwetherspoon.com

Official site of The Red Lion (JD Wetherspoon) - www.jdwetherspoon.com