Red Lion Chelmondiston — Restaurant in Babergh

You really must visit this gem of a pub. We visited Pin mill and decided against lunching at the rammed pub there as good as its reviews state. We wanted to do a circular walk through the National Trust woods on this broiling day. We arrived at the delightful village of Chelmondiston and firstly visited the church. Feeling peckish we walked a little further to The Red Lion and how glad we did. From the moment we walked in the wonderful man behind the bar couldn’t have been nicer or more accommodating. We sat in such stylish surroundings which was spotless. We felt that we were people for him and we engaged in such interesting conversations. When I admired the way the napkins were folded he even gave me a lesson though I have to say I haven’t his prowess! The owner then made us the best cheese and onion toasties I’ve ever had. It came with a fresh nicely dressed salad and the best chips. To slake our thirst we had a pint of bitter shandy each and sparkling water. The menu looks exciting with dishes for vegans and vegetarians too. Probably gluten-free but I didn’t notice. The prices are good as well and they have very stylish self-contained barn to rent out. How I wished we’d done just that rather than staying in Ipswich. Tomorrow they are having a BBQ to celebrate 3 years of being there and it sounds a lot of fun. Their menu offers a lot more imaginative dishes but we wanted a sandwich at lunch time. Please support this local village pub as it so deserves. We have lost so many in the past few years and bemoan the fact but they need...

On the right side of the road as you drive through the village heading for Shotley, this super establishment is just as great as the last time we visited. Easy parking in a large car park with Disabled Parking (make sure you register your car at the bar as the car park is operated by an outside firm) a lovely welcome, a sensible menu selection including interesting alternatives, starter and main course at £27.50 which might at first glance seem quite high but you really get the quality you pay for. This time I had Prawn Cocktail (I ran out of lettuce before the prawns) followed by Roast chicken, roast potatoes, cabbage, carrots, parsnips and cauliflower cheese all in a delicious dark gravy. My pal started with Sticky chicken wings, tamarind glaze and crispy rocket followed by Beer battered cod with chips, tartar sauce & mushy peas.

We quite often go out for a Sunday Lunch and my pal is not known for giving compliments but he rates The Red Lion as the best Sunday Lunch in Suffolk and who am I to disagree with him. Lovely pub, lovely people and lovely food, what more can you ask for. Why not go and see...

Excellent pub/restaurant which we would highly recommend and is totally dog friendly. Our labrador was given water and treats so would visit more often given the chance. For starters we had Potted Cromer Crab and Avocado and Chicken Liver Pate and for mains we both went for the Wagyu Beef Burger. The meals were delicious and very filling with very generous portions. For drinks we had a Latte and a Lacons Encore beer. Additionally we were given a jug of water with 2 glasses. The staff friendly and accommodating and the locals, one of whom was a South Essex lass 20-odd years ago, were very friendly and were happy to have our dog mix with theirs. The facilities and decoration of the establishment is top notch. There is plenty of free parking available but make sure you enter your vehicle’s registration at the bar. This is one of the best pub/restaurants that we have ever visited, we would certainly recommend it and we're very likely to...