The Red Lion, Shendish, Hemel Hempstead

Official site of The Red Lion - redlionhemel.com

Official site of The Red Lion - redlionhemel.com

Still the same internal layout of four distinct areas on different levels either side of the central bar, although the front two seem to have been modernised a bit since previous reviews and the raised section on the left of the bar now appears to be permanently for table seating as I presume the frequent music acts now perform in either the function room or what looks like a fairly permanent marquee at the back of the pub. And it is actually at the back of the pub where you find the unique selling point for Ye Olde Red Lion, which is the absolutely enormous garden area which stretches down to the Grand Union canal. The lower half of the garden near the canal is still largely unkempt as per previous reviews , but the area near the pub seems to be much improved with a pleasant seating area underneath umbrellas and what looks like a permanent large marque I mentioned before, which along with the large function room tagged on the back is utilised to make the Red Lion a venue for Weddings and Birthday celebrations. In fact it the pub would be shut later on the day of our visit for a private birthday celebration. Unfortunately one key point that looks like it hasn’t improved from previous reviews is the beer availability and of the three ale pumps on the bar only two were clipped with only one in operation dispensing Green King Balmy Army Golden Ale, the other sporting the Red Lion Ale clip being reversed. The Balmy Army was a fairly average thin GK affair but can’t blame the pub for that and after walking several miles along the Grand Union on one of the hottest days of the year I would have consumed anything wet.. So in conclusion the pub does seem a bit improved over previous reviews but it still gives the appearance of a superb opportunity being missed.

I would have to agree with the below review, inasmuch as what appears to be a welcoming hostelry puts one on tenterhooks as you swing into the carpark to be confronted by a bonfire in the field next door and a beaten-up caravan at the end of said carpark. Three ales on handpull: St Austell Tribute, GK Abbot and 'Red Lion Ale' (4.1%) which turned out to be badge-engineered Caledonian 80/- (and was served in a Caledonian glass to boot). Steep at £3.90 but drinkable enough. Barmaid was pleasant enough and some middle-of-the-road 70s muzak was improved by Roy Ayers' 'Everybody Loves The Sunshine', but again, not another one to go out of your way for if in this area.

What the attractive exterior promises the tired interior fails to deliver. I just got a rather depresssed feeling drinking in this pub. Two handpumps and I had to send the first pint back so played it safe and went for the Guinness. I'd probably try it again if in the area just to form a second opinion. Free WiFi provided via walkinwifi.

The interior is quite small with a modest island bar immediately infront of the entrance and four sections leading off the bar.To the immediate left is a raised section used as a stage on acoustic music and open mic nights which are held regularly.At other times two dining tables are perched here looking a little felorn.To the right of the entrance is an area with two black leather sofas and a flat screen.Towards the back of the pub at the left is a sunken section with more sofas while behind the bar are a few dining tables and exit to the garden. There were three handpumps but only Youngs Bitter was on ,£3.40 clear ,a little warm and with a faint trace of pipe cleaner .The other pumps normally dispense Bombadier and London Pride,an unimaginative selection from I guess a pubco's list.I didn't like the decor,wooden blinds,coal affect gas fires, purple/brown paint and the mindless R&B musak was dire.Standard pub grub,mains £7-8 ,pensioners lunch 2 for £8 ,Sunday roast £8 but my £5 jacket was as disappointing as the beer.Very visible cctv "eyes" kept the few customers on my lunchtime visit under close scrutiny. There is a vast garden at the rear with ranks of benches,an adventure playground and lots of open space which runs down to the lock on the Grand Union,although the lower half of the garden was rather unkempt and does not take advantage of the location.Maybe in fine weather this pub serves as a place where kids can burn off some energy,but I was struggling to find any reason why I might want to return.