The Red Lion — Restaurant in Ashfield

A Memorable Evening at The Red Lion: Exceptional Steaks, Outstanding Service, and a Homely Feel

Dining out is more than just enjoying a meal—it’s about the experience, the atmosphere, and the small touches that make you feel truly valued as a guest. Our recent visit to The Red Lion was a perfect example of this, reminding us that exceptional hospitality is just as important as the food itself.

A Personal Touch That Stood Out

Before our visit, we had made a reservation, and the owner himself had taken the time to ask, “So, shall I order a couple of rib-eye steaks for your next visit?” It was a simple question, but one that showed an impressive level of attentiveness. True to his word, when we arrived, he remembered both us and our conversation—a rare and thoughtful gesture that set the tone for the evening.

Upon arrival, we were seated as the Seaton party of two at Table 3, and from that moment on, everything about the experience felt seamless. There was an undeniable warmth in the air—a feeling that you weren’t just another customer but a welcomed guest in a place that truly cared about its patrons.

A Homely Atmosphere Paired with Top-Tier Service

The Red Lion manages to strike a perfect balance between professional service and a welcoming, homely feel. The moment we stepped inside, we were greeted with friendly smiles, attentive service, and an atmosphere that made us feel right at home. The staff were efficient yet warm, always ensuring we had everything we needed without ever feeling rushed.

With its cozy décor, soft lighting, and the gentle hum of happy diners, The Red Lion offers the kind of comforting environment that makes you want to settle in and stay a while. Unlike some high-end restaurants that can feel a little too formal, this place makes fine dining feel relaxed and inviting.

The Best Steak I’ve Ever Had

And then came the food. The rib-eye steak that had been ordered in for us was nothing short of perfection—beautifully marbled, expertly cooked, and bursting with flavor. Every bite reaffirmed that this was, without a doubt, one of the best steaks I have ever eaten. Paired with well-thought-out sides, the meal was a true delight from start to finish.

A Restaurant That Gets It Right

In a world where so many dining experiences can feel impersonal, The Red Lion stands out as a place that genuinely values its guests. The combination of incredible food, outstanding service, and that special homely touch makes it a restaurant worth returning to time and time again.

If you’re looking for a place where both the food and the hospitality leave a lasting impression, The Red Lion should be at the top of your list. It’s not just a meal—it’s...

Been here a few times. God knows why I allow myself to get dragged here as it's always bad food....really bad. The worst was last night. I asked for mashed potatoes instead of chips. I cant described what turned up....maybe the chef was trying to reach me a lesson not to order mash again. I think he just got some new potatoes and chopped them up with a knife...no butter, just tasteless lumps. I thought it took great skill to mess up mashed potatoes but then it took even more skill to serve tinned garden peas half cooked and hard. Others in the group left theirs too. The group are now looking for a better place to eat...I told them the local food bank must serve better slop than this...then to top it off they tried to charge us multiple times for drinks we've paid for at the bar. This is not the first time either. They tried to charge my Grandad for a cider that my Dad had already paid for, argued about it and then teamed up and said "we aren't lying". When Grandad refused they sneakily charged my Dad again who said he already paid for all drinks at the bar. Jesus I hope we never go again. God knows how it gets any good reviews. When we told the waitress the food is bad she just said oh dear and took the food away. Basically nobody cares. In conclusion, the food was terrible and we got scammed by paying for an extra drink....

Lovely staff but appalling food. This was an amazing foodie pub at one time , went to new ownership went downs hill fast. We tried again recently and found it again had new ownership and we tried the food, it was ok pub grub . Went again and we had two cold frozen lasagna with water swimming in the middle . A cold burger with undercooked chips . Quite possibly one of the worst pub meals I have ever had , inedible and quite possible dangerous . I won’t be going back and it’s such a shame as the staff are lovely and it’s such a beautiful pub . If you want cheap pub grub better than than this it’s Witherspoon ( I’m embarrassed by that...