Red Lion Hotel, Bideford

Official site of Red Lion Hotel - www.redlion-clovelly.co.uk

Official site of Red Lion Hotel - www.redlion-clovelly.co.uk

Small hotel on the edge of the quay with a large plain room facing the harbour, and a rather nice Snug Bar behind where children are prohibited. Other details as mentioned in earlier review - definitely the better of the two pubs.

Unlike the New Inn, the Red Lion can be accessed by road , as the service road, utilised by the Land rover ferry service available for those who want to pay to avoid the climb back up to the top, winds its way down to behind the Red Lion Hotel. But again this is a place more utilised as a hotel and restaurant by people holidaying in Clovelly, rather than a traditional pub. So again I won’t rate it but refer people to trip advisor for people who have stayed and eaten here. But if we just consider the pub aspect then I found this to be the better of the two pubs in Clovelly and seemed to attract a more local crowd than just us tourists. Probably because it’s in an excellent position commanding the harbour side and the harbour wall provides an excellent external drinking area when the sun is out. Internally its more of a traditional pub than the New Inn with several differing roomed areas to choose from including a small cosy snug room and a separate area with a pool table. The main bar area is probably the plainest of the rooms , but still has a bit of character. Decent bar food menu and then the restaurant section is more gastro and focussed on sea food and I understand the Lobster is very popular and reasonable. But I was here for the beer and although the choice is a little limited with only two ales available, one from the Country life Brewery and the ubiquitous Doombar I found the Doom Bar to be well kept. And if you are intending to stay here , the recently renovated sail loft behind the main building seems to be worth paying the extra pennies for.