The Red Lion, Freshwater

Lovely village pub well away from the tourist areas, much as described below. Flag floors and well-distanced tables conflict with the perspex screens, so it does feel a bit unsociable at the moment inside, though the staff were very friendly and helpful, while the garden and the tables with parasols at the front were a bit more normal. All the tables were booked for diners, but we were allowed to sit and have a drink at one provided we left 15 minutes before the reservation time. Ales on were Wight Squirrel, Landlord, Butcombe Original and Proper Job, all in good condition. I'd be very happy to come back, and next time I'll book a table for dinner.

The Red Lion enjoys a lovely location next to the 12th century village church. It has a reasonably large single room, with a car park and garden at the rear. Service was friendly. But drinks are fairly expensive. St Austell Proper Job is the regular ale. The 3 guests were Adnams Ghost Ship, West Berkshire Good Old Boy & Butcombe Original. Most tables were booked for later diners and the pub was not accepting any more dinner reservations. But late afternoon, most people there were just there to drink. A nice, traditional village pub.