The Red Lion Bar & Grill — Restaurant in West Vancouver

As a Welsh ex-pat now living in North Van I visited the Red Lion Bar expecting a friendly British style establishment, I had read the mixed reviews prior to my attendance but chose to give it a try.

Above the bar as you enter the premises (Y Ddraig Goch) is the red dragon of Wales, off to a good start I thought. The interior of the bar does resemble British bars with the fire burning and old woodwork, but thats where the similarity ends! We were greeted by a pleasant female member of staff who showed us to our table, our server than took our drinks order which she quickly returned with. Although polite there was no friendly interaction from the staff, certainly did not resemble a cosy country British pub.

We ordered our meals which were served quite quickly, both my son and wife had the roast beef dinner which was warm and appeared to be re-heated. I ordered the chicken curry which the staff added extra peppers to give it a little more spice to suite my taste. Our meals were served by a male member of staff who looked as though he did not want to be there and his service reflected this.

After we consumed our meals my wife and I ordered coffee, just one coffee arrived and the second arrived some time later after a further request.

We had arrived at the bar at approximately 7pm on Sunday evening and there were very few customers in the premises, the staff were not under any pressure due to work load so there was no reason why they were not providing excellent customer service. My family and I certainly did not feel welcome at the Red Lion bar and I certainly would not recommend this venue to any family or friends in the future. During my time in Canada I have experienced excellent customer service in most places I have dined, with staff polite, efficient and welcoming. Regretably the same cannot be said about the Red Lion staff, not a very good first impression....

On Sunday April 29 2019 my husband and I decided to check out the Red Lion bar and grill as we're looking to move into the area. After we placed our order, we would talking about the wood working of the bar and how we noticed an older clientele they had. Nice relaxing place in our view. About 25 minute wait, which was only a beacon and eggs, and salmon and eggs, I was wondering why this was talking so long. As I was about to say something, the waiter said it will be out in a moment. Once the food arrived, the presentation looked good. After we took a bit, the food was cold. When I mean cold, I mean cold. My husband took a bit of the home fries and said he isn't eating this. Eating cold food can cause food poison. My husband when up to the bar asking for the bill. The older gentleman who we would think is the older assumed we didn't like the meal which is wasn't the case, it due to being cold. He said no don't bother paying for the meal but my husband doesn't like being like this as he is a business owner as well. Overall, $14.00 for bacon and eggs which looked nice but it was a bit disappointment as it only had about 3 strips of beacon, two eggs, 4 pieces of toast and about half potatoes to make the home fries. The fruit as very tiny piece as well. Overall, we won't be coming back to this place as food poison is a very serious thing. When food is ready, anyone should bring out your food as it seems the waiters and waitress aren't up to par. The places wasn't busy so I can't see the excuse for this to be happening. The owner needs to hire good help as being friendly might be great but service is required as well. We wish them all the best and hope this is a learning...

The afternoon was swelteringly Summer-heat-wave hot after nearby appointment, but inside the Red Lion Pub, in the very heart of historic Dundarave, cool air-conditioned respite, many savory menu choices, and welcoming servers awaited to make a really great experience!

Opted for the "Red Lion Burger" platter. Beef was tasty and nicely seasoned, accompanied by bacon, cheddar, and romaine lettuce. The side fries -- perfectly crispy outside and tender fresh inside.

The restaurant interior definitely takes equal billing with the terrific cuisine: classic British pub atmosphere and fascinatingly divided into several cozy semi-private alcoves, dining/entertainment areas: i.e., self-contained dining room with focal stone fireplace and facing conversation area; sports-bar zone at rear on 2-levels with upholstered booths /bar stools / table-seating -- plus 2 large screens for watching hockey/football matches -- all dominated by the backdrop of dark carved-wood bar; and finally the signature Red Lion patio space fronting Marine Drive with its forest of red umbrellas.

If you're interested in Dundarave - West Van history and cool memorabilia, the interior vibe is truly like a "way-back machine" and all the artefacts will give you almost as much enjoyment as the brilliant menu and...