The Red Lion Inn, Stafford

A cream rendered detached cottage style village pub, with red paint work, patio area and kid’s play area. There are three rooms, but it was one of those places i didn’t see a lot of. I entered through the car park and to the right was a lounge/dining room, that looked in white, but i couldn’t be certain. I made my way to the little bar room, which was cosy. It is in yellow, with a red fire place (large enough to get a couple of small wood settles in) and tiled floor, with beams. There is a dart board, a TV (not on at my visit) and there was no music. There were a couple of sport pictures on the walls and some brass ephemera. Bar meals (ie spuds) were served in here. I didn’t eat so can’t comment on that. I left from the front entrance to get a photo and found there was a larger bar/lounge area just to the left as you would come in. There wasn’t anyone in here and it seemed to be in yellow, with beams and had a dart board, but that was a quick look. The service was good and the clientele was mixed and the place busy, with diners and drinkers. Beer; tap stuff with London Pride and a good Ringwood Boondoggle on handpull. This is a nice enough village pub, with most things a family wood need. I was more than happy to visit and would certainly return. Now the Doxey pubs have closed, it is the best in the local area.

The Red Lion is a very pleasant village pub just outside Stafford. It's a working village, not a chocolate-box picture-postcard one, so the decor and atmosphere in the pub reflect that. Food is good value for money, the reception is just about friendly (if not enthusiastic) and the beer is well kept. Two ales on, Wells's Bombardier and Marston's Pedigree. Neither was exciting, but both were perfectly drinkable. Worth finding for a run-out in the countryside (or 15 minutes' cycle from the town centre) for a pint and a snack.