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The Red Lion, Matlock
Matlock
DE4 3BT
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 8 of 10) see review guidelines
Blackthorn _ left this review about The Red Lion
A traditional looking stone-built pub situated towards the outskirts of Matlock away from the town centre, it is nonetheless well worth making the effort to get to. It’s also the brewery tap for Moot Ales, although I suspect this is quite a small scale operation. That said, there was a selection in bottles to purchase, and had I had the car with me I would have done so. It’s certainly not your typical brewery tap though, and is definitely a proper pub, with most visitors probably not even being aware that it is a tap room.
Internally it’s quite a good size, arranged in an L-shape with a further extension at the rear which is used as a restaurant. Décor wise it’s fairly traditional with sanded wooden boards on much of the floor along with some carpeted areas. The right hand part was perhaps more of the public bar, with taupe paintwork on the walls, a TV screen which was turned off, and some small flags strung around, perhaps for the current world cup. They were quite discrete though, and rather added to the ambience rather than detracted from it as is often the case. I think there may also have been a pool table here, as well as a trophy or two and a shield up on a shelf. The left hand part was much cosier, almost a snug, with a fireplace stacked up with logs ready for the cold weather, feature wallpaper on one wall, blue pattered carpet and large drape curtains at the stained glass windows. The rear part had very deep red paint on the walls, and this led in to the dining area which was broadly similar in terms of décor, although with plain whitewashed walls. The food was excellent and the young waitress was superb, very helpful and friendly.
There was a good selection of beers on tap, three of their own which were Matlock Blonde, Matlock Best and Giddy Edge, and these were joined by Bass, Big Trip, Northern Monk Eternal and Full Circle West Coast Pale. Ciders meanwhile were a rather disappointing Strongbow and Aspall’s.
On 31st July 2026
- rating: 8
[User has posted 2150 recommendations about 2046 pubs]
Graham Coombs left this review about The Red Lion
A large and comfortable family-run pub with accommodation and its own brewery. tucked into a corner off the main road. There is one long room right across the front, with side areas off (pool one end, restaurant the other) and it is all very smartly furnished and decorated in a clean modern style. There are 3 banks of 3 handpumps serving several of their own (Moot) ales, plus a few guests including Bass; condition seemed very good. A very nice relaxing atmosphere and well worth a visit.
On 15th November 2025
- rating: 8
[User has posted 4003 recommendations about 3935 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
ROB Camra left this review about The Red Lion
The best pub in Matlock these days? Almost certainly. They now have their own brewery on site going under the name of Moot Ales. There are multiple rooms set around a large and long bar. There's outdoor seating at the front and a spacious beer garden to the rear, they also heve accomodation. To the right is a taproom with pool table and a dartboard. To the left and rear are several small rooms, one was being used by a ladies team playing dominoes. Six handpumps on the bar serving 3 of their own ales. I tried them all and they were all in good nick. There were also 3 guest ales which I failed to note as I was concentrating on their own beers. Well, when am I going to be able to taste them without coming back to Matlock, which is unlikely given the state of the rest of the pubs in town! Add a friendly barmaid who was happy to talk about the pub and several dogs slumped about the place. A great pub and long may it flourish. Oh, by the way it's open until midnight, which is a godsend in Matlock!
On 12th July 2023
- rating: 9
[User has posted 3382 recommendations about 3289 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Will Larter left this review about The Red Lion
Just off the main road and easily missed if driving, the Red Lion is well worth stopping for. I was here for a football match at Matlock Town's nearby ground, and unfortunately left my visit to this pub until about 30 minutes before kick-off, so my impression of the place was taken between sips of beer and conversation with one of my Luton Town mates and a couple of locals at the bar.
The pub looks very pleasant, a house built in local stone that has had all the internal walls removed and a bar installed centrally. I got the impression there had been a recent refurbishment, which has been tastefully done. There are darts, pool and TV in the area to the right of the bar on entering, and a coal fire towards the left.
There were hand pumps - possibly five - on various parts of the bar, and I identified Morland Old Speckled Hen, Wychwood Bah Humbug (a spiced seasonal ale) and Batemans XXXB, an old favourite of mine. I enjoyed my swift half of Batemans, which was in very good condition, and my friend, who usually drinks Guinness, was so impressed with Bah Humbug that he had another.
There was a good atmosphere about this place, a real village local on the edge of town. I would certainly include this again in any future visit to Matlock.
On 20th December 2012
- rating: 7
[User has posted 4842 recommendations about 4430 pubs]