The Red Lion, Chippenham

Substantial Georgian inn with an imposing red-brick facade, and aimed firmly at the visitor market being at the heart of the picturesque National Trust village close to the Fox Talbot Museum and near to the abbey grounds. Upmarket traditional inside, with nearly all tables across all rooms set aside on a Saturday lunchtime for those dining. However, there is some general seating in the bar area and a pleasant rear patio garden at the back. As a Wadworth hotel, I found 6X, Horizon and the Swordfish rum infused ale (£5.30) on the five handpumps, along with a Rosie's Pig cider.

Official site of The Red Lion - www.redlionlacock.co.uk

Official site of The Red Lion - www.redlionlacock.co.uk

The National Trust owned village of Lacock is like a walk back in historic architecture styles. No building is later than the 18th Century and several date from two or three centuries earlier, such as the St Cyriac’s Church and the Lacock Abbey. Lots of atmospheric small independent shops to browse and a couple of decent pub restaurants including the Wadsworth owned 18th Century Red Lion. The Georgian interior is all dark wood, large open stone fireplaces and flag stone floors, but having a fine weather day we decided to sit in the garden under a large gazebo tent type structure which I guess has been added for current Covid restrictions. This is largely a food led establishment to make the most out the tourist hoards flocking to Lacock but I noted two badged hand pumps for Henry’s IPA and Horizon as I walked through the pub. But when we got to perform our table service order through the young staff member and her tablet, only Horizon was available, although she did explain I could have Beavertown Neck Oil or several other craft and keg lager options. Sadly wasn’t surprised by only one ale available, even in a brewery flag ship pub, as this is becoming the norm in these Covid restricted times. Fortunately the Horizon was a very decent pint so nothing to moan about there. What I can moan about Is having to pay London price levels for it, but I guess that is to be expected when you are a captive audience in a tourist trap location.

With its sister pub (the George) just around the corner closed for the day, the Red Lion was doing a roaring trade when we arrived on a Wednesday morning. It's a Wadworth pub very close to Lacock Abbey and there were plenty of people enjoying the morning sunshine in an outdoor seating area at the rear of the pub. The 3 ales on here are 6X, Henry's IPA & Horizon. I started the day with the IPA, which was fine. There is free public parking at the rear and further parking on the street in front, although I'd imagine it gets very busy with tourists in the peak summer season. Lacock itself is a very pretty National Trust village, which is well worth strolling around.