The Red Lion, SW1

Randomness Guide to London - Red Lion entry

Randomness Guide to London - Red Lion entry

I paid another visit to this survivor from the height of Victorian pub interiors the other evening. In days gone past this was an Allied Brewery’s pub, trading as Ind Coope in London, and is now a Fuller's pub. The takeover from the pubco that owned it previously (Nicholson's) has improved the ale selection in my opinion, as in addition to the Fuller’s ales on offer, the guest ale on my latest visit was Butcombe Bitter, which is an excellent ale and was in fine nick. This is so obviously a genuine Victorian treasure, having survived the ravages of WWII and the developers. Definitely a must for a visit for the decor alone. The etched and cut glass mirrors are some of the finest examples of this late Victorian trademark still in existence, reflecting light around the pub. This is definitely one of the best pubs in the area - along with its namesake in Crown passage.

This tiny little ex-Nicholsons pub is now run by Fullers and has six hand pumps dispensing their range of ales. I found the two barmaids to be very friendly and the clientele was mostly business rather than tourist which is probably explained by the high prices. The pub circles the small bar and it has a traditional feel with lots of ornate mirrors on the wall stretching from the entrance. I was lucky enough to find a seat at one of the tiny tables lining the exterior walls, but I wouldn’t hold much hope of doing this after 5pm. I’m a fan of Fullers so I liked it in here and I would recommend this place to others, if only to just have a look.