The Red Lion — Restaurant in Derbyshire Dales

The Red Lion, Matlock - A Roaring Success

A Perfect Sunday Roast Getaway! Our recent stay at The Red Lion in Matlock exceeded our expectations in every way. From the moment we arrived, the staff was warm, welcoming, and incredibly helpful. We enjoyed co-owner Lee’s dry scene of humour. The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing escape on our anniversary.

Our room was clean and comfortable. The Sunday roast carvery, wow! The restaurant was fully booked so an advance booking is recommended. The selection of meats was cooked to perfection, tender and succulent, with a fantastic selection of roasted vegetables and light, fluffy Yorkshire puddings. It was, without a doubt, one of the best carvery lunches we’ve had for a long time.

The location of The Red Lion is also a huge plus. Matlock itself is a beautiful town with plenty to explore, and the pub's central location makes it an ideal base for discovering the surrounding area. We had a day out at nearby Bakewell, and another day we enjoyed a walk to Lumsdale Falls.

Overall, our stay at The Red Lion was exceptional. The combination of friendly staff, comfortable accommodation, and a truly outstanding Sunday roast carvery, the on-site micro brewery (my favourite was the Giddy Edge IPA), makes this a must-visit. I wholeheartedly recommend The Red Lion to anyone looking for a relaxing and enjoyable getaway in Matlock. We can't...

I hate to do this, honestly the only terrible review I've given. And I'll start with the positives, the serving staff were friendly and the atmosphere and pub location was great. But the food was so awful I've had to down vote the rest of the stars just make the point (sorry).

Having come in for a dinner and a drink on a holiday break away we looked up good local pub grub, the reviews and location all seemed appealing. The prices were typical for a main/s. My girlfriend ordered bbq ribs, and I ordered a steak pie, mash and peas.

Food took 45mins (not an issue but relivant) when the food turned up the table next to us laught at the serving portion of ribs as it was so large (again this should be a positive) until you tasted it. It was a sour spicy and bbq? sauce, the ribs dripping in it and full of grizzle. We honestly couldn't eat more than a couple of ribs between the two of us. The chips were hard and undercooked.

My pie and mash....the gravy was nice? Or nice in comparison? the mash was salty and the pie was stone cold in the center. Unfortunately I only found this out after eating to the center.

See the image for reference on the pale pie. Ribs that look fantastic but taste bloody awful.

To round it up, £40 without drinks, feeling sick and my partner waiting for domino's pizza at the air bnb.

I recommend a new chef or a return of the one who the reviews quoted....

Stayed during COVID ‘clocks-going-back’ weekend in October. Very COVID aware inn. Microbrewery on site - Moot Ales, some of which was sampled! The room was splendid with a four-poster bed and a marvellous view of the enigmatic Riber Castle. Great shower! Pub was extremely comfortable with friendly and helpful waiting-on and bar staff. Breakfast - help yourself to boxes cereals and brought cooked breakfast. Overall VERY good value and will definitely come back. One or two tips: solely on catering. Veggie breakfast - please offer beans or double egg? In the room - not 100% happy with the kettle being directly under the large flat screen TV - steam possibly affecting the screen? Table could be easily moved to the corner. Also, during COVID when you’re not entering our rooms to fill up supplies, instead of those small plastic pots of milk, why not provide a pint or a jug of milk for the room and a small...