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Disappointment of the week with Mobyduck
on the Pub Forum
Image posted by john mcgraw
Submitted on Monday, 18th April 2016
With picture contributions to 21062 other pubs
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Detail Pages
The Red Lion, Shendish, Hemel Hempstead
Hemel Hempstead
HP3 9TD
Served areas
Reviews of The Red Lion (Average Rating: 4 of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Steve of N21 left this review about Ye Olde Red Lion
Still the same internal layout of four distinct areas on different levels either side of the central bar, although the front two seem to have been modernised a bit since previous reviews and the raised section on the left of the bar now appears to be permanently for table seating as I presume the frequent music acts now perform in either the function room or what looks like a fairly permanent marquee at the back of the pub.
And it is actually at the back of the pub where you find the unique selling point for Ye Olde Red Lion, which is the absolutely enormous garden area which stretches down to the Grand Union canal. The lower half of the garden near the canal is still largely unkempt as per previous reviews , but the area near the pub seems to be much improved with a pleasant seating area underneath umbrellas and what looks like a permanent large marque I mentioned before, which along with the large function room tagged on the back is utilised to make the Red Lion a venue for Weddings and Birthday celebrations. In fact it the pub would be shut later on the day of our visit for a private birthday celebration.
Unfortunately one key point that looks like it hasn’t improved from previous reviews is the beer availability and of the three ale pumps on the bar only two were clipped with only one in operation dispensing Green King Balmy Army Golden Ale, the other sporting the Red Lion Ale clip being reversed.
The Balmy Army was a fairly average thin GK affair but can’t blame the pub for that and after walking several miles along the Grand Union on one of the hottest days of the year I would have consumed anything wet..
So in conclusion the pub does seem a bit improved over previous reviews but it still gives the appearance of a superb opportunity being missed.
On 6th August 2018
- rating: 5
[User has posted 2110 recommendations about 1992 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Komakino . left this review about Ye Olde Red Lion
I would have to agree with the below review, inasmuch as what appears to be a welcoming hostelry puts one on tenterhooks as you swing into the carpark to be confronted by a bonfire in the field next door and a beaten-up caravan at the end of said carpark. Three ales on handpull: St Austell Tribute, GK Abbot and 'Red Lion Ale' (4.1%) which turned out to be badge-engineered Caledonian 80/- (and was served in a Caledonian glass to boot). Steep at £3.90 but drinkable enough. Barmaid was pleasant enough and some middle-of-the-road 70s muzak was improved by Roy Ayers' 'Everybody Loves The Sunshine', but again, not another one to go out of your way for if in this area.
On 9th February 2016
- rating: 4
[User has posted 1074 recommendations about 1074 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Clive Thompson left this review about Ye Olde Red Lion
What the attractive exterior promises the tired interior fails to deliver. I just got a rather depresssed feeling drinking in this pub. Two handpumps and I had to send the first pint back so played it safe and went for the Guinness. I'd probably try it again if in the area just to form a second opinion. Free WiFi provided via walkinwifi.
On 15th April 2012
- rating: 4
[User has posted 777 recommendations about 697 pubs]
View more reviews of The Red Lion (4)
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- Official site of The Red Lion - redlionhemel.com
- Facebook - Ye Olde Red Lion
- CAMRA WhatPub :: The Red Lion - whatpub.com
Kings Langley, 2.02 miles, 38 min walk (show)
Hemel Hempstead, 2.35 miles, 45 min walk (show)
Pub Details
Pub details supplied by members of this site to the best of their knowledge. Please check with pub directly before making a special trip.
- Karaoke : Yes last updated 18 April 2015 by Dave McNally
- Real Ale : Yes last updated 16 February 2012 by David McNally
