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Disappointment of the week with Tris39
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Detail Pages
The Red Lion, Sittingbourne
Sittingbourne
ME10 4PB
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 7 of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Blue Scrumpy left this review about The Red Lion
Long, thin coaching inn on the High Street in Sittingbourne town centre.
The inside was reasonably busy and so was the outdoor courtyard, where the roof of the building seems to overhang it in a rather perilous fashion. But it probably appears to be straight after a few too many.
Three handpulls all had the clips turned round when we arrived. But after enquiring, London Pride & Landlord were revealed to be on. They had been turned round by somebody concerned about how lively they were!
Locals were quite boisterous and were quite excited about a rather unpleasant smell coming from the gents. Apparently one of the traps had been rendered unserviceable by somebody with serious stomach issues. I elected to hold my bladder until the next establishment.
Much has changed since the previous review. This pub now feels comparatively average, when there are 3 decent micropubs in town.
On 27th August 2020
- rating: 5
[User has posted 2452 recommendations about 2451 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Steve C left this review about Red Lion
I was a little disheartened as I pushed the front door to gain entry on a recent midweek evening and found it to be shut. Trying not to panic I looked for the opening times and spotted a sign in the door telling prospective customers to use the side door for access. I made my way around to the cobbled courtyard where there is some outside seating and did indeed find an open door that led to a long thin bar at the front of the pub. Standard draught was available and I counted six hand pumps. Two of these were unused and two had there handles missing so only Doom Bar and London Pride were available. The well-kept décor of the pub led me to believe that the handles were probably being cleaned rather than permanently being a missing feature.
Halfway up the pub is a doubled sided burner that separates the bar from a rear dining area where pricey mains can be purchased for around £15 a pop. I didn’t eat or see anyone eating, but the food must be good to warrant those prices in this area. I did raise a smile when I read a notice on the side of the burner that said ‘please do not touch the fire’.
There is a jukebox on the wall that was silent and the plasma screen was showing a muted wildlife program. People averse to televisions in pubs will be glad to hear that the plasma screen is tucked away at the end of the bar.
Children are permitted with dining adults during lunch service only. At all other times the red Lion is over 21s.
I found the service to be very friendly and the London Pride was spot on. I would have no problem returning as I thought that this pub was the best Sittingbourne had to offer after my crawl of the immediate area.
On 22nd February 2013
- rating: 7
[User has posted 5233 recommendations about 5201 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
E TA left this review about Red Lion
The Red Lion is an historic pub which dates back to around 1400. It was once one of Kent's finest inns and is famous for having been the place Henry V stayed on his way back from Agincourt in 1415. Henry VIII also stayed here in 1532. Now it is a fine high street pub which, although smaller than in its prime, has kept its cobbled courtyard and stable block. It is now a favourite with local clubs and has kept some of its interior features, though much of it is now more 18th Century than original. There is one long bar at the front which has a Georgian frontage. Although it has a good reputation for its beers, I seem to have come on an off day - two ales on, I tried the Doombar which was going off but was still drinkable. The London Pride was much better, though so I had a point of that too. One of Sittingbourne's better pubs, this is a must for a town crawl.
On 22nd February 2013
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3281 recommendations about 3246 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Tom Roberts left this review about Red Lion
At last a decent pub in sittingbourne. Good atmosphire, friendly staff and good doormen. The best pub in sittingbourne highstreet in my opinion.
Never had any problems or issues with this pub.
Outside courtyard area is great with live music when i last went there. Only minor fault is the mens toilet being too small and cramped. Other than that thumbs up!
On 19th August 2012
- rating: 8
[User has posted 5 recommendations about 5 pubs]