Red Lion, Rye

Very traditional village inn with a part-weatherboarded facade, hop bines above the counter, pewter tankards on the ceiling, etc. The main entrance leads to a cosy bar with a couple of small tables by the fireplace, with dining rooms to the left and at the rear. Just the 'house' Lion Brew IPA (£4.40) available from the four handpumps; darker than I expected, and of unknown provenance, but excellent. Another plus is the selection of local products on sale from a side table.

Facebook page of Red Lion - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of Red Lion - www.facebook.com

The Red Lion is a quirky 15th century country pub on Brede Hill Road opposite St George’s church, whose bells were ringing during a recent Saturday afternoon visit. To the left of the pub is a narrow entrance to a large car park at the rear that runs up the side of the long beer garden that is full of trees and bushes alongside an old greenhouse. The pub dog was very active in its patrol of the garden whilst collecting large sticks. There are three picnic tables outside the front of the pub that afford a nice view over the road to the church. The bar area houses an L shaped serving counter to the left that offers a standard keg range alongside Amstel and San Miguel. I counted four handpumps that were all in use but only noted the presence of Greene King IPA and Harveys Best. The seating area towards the rear has sheet music wallpaper and is faced on the left by a large inglenook and houses a piano. On the walls and shelves are all manner of bric-a-brac. I didn’t spot a television and there was no background music playing. In the left-hand side of the pub is a separate seating area that I imagine is used by diners. The mains on the specials board were priced around £12 and the paninis for £7 come with chips. There were only two other customers so there wasn’t much atmosphere, but I would bet that this different at busier times. I would pop back in here again if passing.