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Detail Pages
The Red Lion, Swaffham
Swaffham
PE37 7AQ
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 5½ of 10) see review guidelines
Will Larter left this review about The Red Lion
I was headed for Great Yarmouth and needed a break from driving, so I followed the "historic market town" sign off the A47 and found myself in Swaffham. The Red Lion looked a likely spot, so I popped in for a swift pint. Three traditional hand pumps plus a newfangled one for GK IPA which I mistrusted, as despite being shiny and lit up, it had 3.6% as the abv of this now 3.4% beer, so I tried a couple of the local beers. The two Lacons beers looked interesting, but there was also a 3.4%er from Salem Brew Co, so I had a half of that and a half of Lacons Encore 3.8%, a beer I can remember having before. It came out hazy, which is not how it's meant to be, and I queried this with the server, who said "why don't you try it and if it's not right I'll ask the landlord". I took my two halves away and decided quite quickly that the Encore was indeed not right, and a couple of sips of the Salem ORO didn't seem to match the "biscuity malt, citrus pine aroma and crisp grapefruit finish" description on the pump clip. I took the Encore back but the landlord was not referred to, the beer simply being thrown down the sink, with the offer of another half of the one I already had, which made me think the other Lacons pump clip was just as much window dressing as the GK dispenser. I said that, to be honest, I wasn't right impressed with the Salem beer either. "Bring it here, then", she said, while reaching into the till for a £5 note. Giving me back what I'd paid was accompanied by the imprecation to "feel free not to come back!" As I walked out I said "my pleasure!"
On 18th September 2025
- rating: 1
[User has posted 4452 recommendations about 4090 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Robert Bartram left this review about The Red Lion
The Red Lion, situated in the main market place of Swaffham, has a long history as a coaching Inn, evidence of which can be seen in its construction, which has during the past 20 years been converted to en-suite rooms.
Entering the Red Lion via the bar area, residential door way or through the courtyard by use of the gated side entrance, you will find a warm welcome and comfortable facilities at hand.
The proprietors plan to add further accessible disabled accommodation in the court yard, where you can also park.
Bar meals are available in the public areas of the Inn.
Please ask for a menu on arrival or call for details.
Meals are served from 12 noon to 7:30pm every day.
Sunday Roasts being a favorite 12:00 to 5:00pm
Welcome to the Red Lion, a little bit of our history Robert & Karen have between them several years of hospitality and we look forward to carrying on the great place that the previous owners have created.
Since we have been here we have upgraded the restaurant and bar which now offers much more in choice of drink and meals.
We have continued to upgrade the rooms and all doors and windows have now been replaced and during 2018 all the rooms will be upgraded and decorated to a very high standard offering even more to our guests.
When you stay at the Red Lion Rooms you will receive a warm, friendly welcome.
You will also enjoy a high standard of service in a clean, fresh & comfortable room.
Most rooms have en-suite shower and have nice touches such as in-room tea and coffee making facilities. Safes in the Double and Twin rooms.
Entertainment is by way of free view Flat screen TV and for those who have to work during their stay, we have Wi-Fi broadband access.
We have 10 rooms avaliable with 6 ensuite and 4 family shared ensuite rooms.
On 17th May 2019
- rating: 10
[User has posted 1 recommendations about 1 pubs]