The Red Lion, Wells-Next-The-Sea

The Red Lion is a traditional Norfolk village pub on the main road through Stiffkey which has now been given the gastro treatment but in a very sympathetic way. The last time I visited, some 15 years previous, it was a quiet village pub with a limited beer selection and no food. It's been repainted outside in a painfully tasteful and muted tone but the inside has been tidied up and left as it was largely with small, distinct rooms, red tiled and wood floors, traditional furniture and a wood burner. The bar is in the middle of the three front rooms. There are tables dotted outside which were popular on a sunny day but no garden as such. We were greeted by the friendly and jovial guvnor with a bit of banter and a genuine enthusiasm for ale. The attitude pervades amongst the, largely young, staff who were all friendly and efficient. The food menu was modern pub food with some interesting local specials including lobster and crab. We only had nibbles but they were very good and I'd happily return for a meal. Beer was Woodeforde's Nelson's Revenge and Wherry, Brentwood Golden Galaxy, GK IPA and Old Golden Hen. It's always a relief to spot the Woodforde's sign in this, now GK infested, part of the world and the Nelson's Revenge here was excellent. A nicely done, traditional pub serving a decent pint.

Official site of the Stiffkey Red Lion - www.stiffkey.com

Official site of the Stiffkey Red Lion - www.stiffkey.com