Red Lion

Enjoyable evening. Food was served quickly and my scampi was good value for money. My friend's pie looked very appetising. Service was efficient and friendly from the young members of staff on duty. The Red Lion was a good half-way-house meeting point - it had been recommended to us - as I travelled from Nottingham and a friend travelled from Bromsgrove. Would have no hesitation in visiting again.

A pleasant independent operation located canalside with extensive gardens and a particularly good place to bring children for outdoor entertainment as the waters edge area is safely fenced off. Internally clean and tidy, a good basic menu exists, some items of which are time-restricted to lunchtime periods. These include a range of very reasonably priced 'Baguette' Options which extend from 'Sausage' to 'Steak & Onion' with many other choices available between. Normally served with a Side Salad and Chips. a 'lighter' option exists whereby, and no extra cost, you can substitute Chips with 'Soup of The Day' if you're watching the calories. I exercised this option on my last visit, only to be presented with the most tasty and delicious meat-filled homemade 'Chicken & Vegetable Soup' that I've ever been served. I'm not sure how much I saved in calories, but enjoyable and 'filling' was an understatement. Portion sizes are good , as is the quality of food served. Overall, it's a very good value for money visit - and a refreshing change to know that most of what you're eating has been freshly prepared - and not shipped frozen from Corporate HQ's Central Distribution Depot somewhere between Lands End and John O' Groats. Staff are friendly and attentive. The only downside to an otherwise perfect venue is parking space availability - or lack of it on a busy day: so if you're planning a Saturday/Sunday lunchtime visit in Summer Season, best to book in advance to ensure you don't have a quarter mile walk to/from your car...

The atmosphere was great. Not clicky at all like some pubs. The staff were very helpful, friendly and polite. The food was nothing short of excellent, and I highly recommend the cottage pie. Nice beer too, with a really pleasant pale ale HPA from the Wye Valley Brewery. I travelled through here on my boat, and I'll certainly be calling in on the way back, for sure.