The Red Lion — Restaurant in Derbyshire Dales

On a walk with friends we had planned this as our lunch stop. On arrival we were told they were fully booked (several empty tables that didn't show as reserved), and they wouldn't even serve us sides. So here we were, on a walk, and all we could get was crisps and a drink.

When you are on a walk you can't really plan and book as you can't guarantee arrival time.

The drinks took a while to arrive, didn't even have a complimentary biscuit as most places do now (which would have helped us with the food situation a bit), and my friend had to go and ask for he milk for her tea, which was unceremoniously plonked on the table.

Reading other reviews it seems that as we are not locals our faces just didn't fit.

Edit, following the pub's response. Don't believe all responses that places give. We were not entitled. We did not demand to be served. We came in and asked nicely, and asked if there was anything we could possibly get, even a sandwich we could take away, as a lot of places often offer.

We definitely did not "whinge", as the reply says, we were simply disappointed, and also concerned knowing we had a few miles left, luckily we had a few snacks amongst us. As I stated, not everything is planned, we regularly go out walking and have NEVER been turned away like this before.

The tone of the reply reflects the attitude we got from the staff.

Oh, and other than being hungry we did enjoy the rest of our walk, thanks for...

UPDATE this place used to be so nice, very cosy, great value country pub. Unfortunately no more lol. Very dimly lit, no music in the background and worst of all, no heating at all for the winter months 🙃 leaving the whole atmosphere a bit bleak. Real shame weve been coming here for years. May give it a year or so see if things change. Food still good for value if you're getting a pie. Rest of the menue is not a strength, but ok.

Old review below/ I hole heartedly can recommend this place! For a wholesome, tasty, filling meal mean that won't break the bank. This place is a true country local style pub that's relaxing and calm enough to enjoy.

Venue -- a delightful country pub. Situated in the middle of nowhere this little place fits in to the countryside scene perfectly. The place feels like a local secret, it is what is is and it's not trying to hard. You will feel very comfortable here.

Food -- the food is what this place is known for. More to the point the PIE MENU! Mix and match to what you like. Choose a pie, then the side, then the veg, then the gravy. All sections have about 10 unique options. On that point, this is not a gimmick either, the pies are well made, fully filled and delicious! And on to of that all of this for just £10!

Service -- true personal country pub service. No fuss no shirades, just a service with a genuine smile. As i mentioned, you will feel so...

We went here for mine and my partners 4 year anniversary meal, what she didn't know was that it was also a proposal meal too!! She said yes!! I rung up prior to us coming to make special arrangements to make the moment even more special and the staff here really did just that!! Sat us infront of a Christmas tree and played our song alongside at my request. Once she said yes the staff provided us with a complementary bottle of bubbly and a congratulations card which was so nice of them to do that!

The food itself was absolutely amazing! My partner had the venison and red wine pie, which she said was the best she's ever had! I had the 9oz burger which was thick and juicy. The caramelised onions were to die for too! And don't even get me started on their home cooked chips!!

The atmosphere was really nice! Seeing as it was bad weather that day the whole pub felt warm and welcoming! It was refreshing to go into a proper tradition pub that has an open fire and the dark wood furnishings to match! All of the history of the pub in picture as you walk in was nice to see too!

My only improvement which does not at all ruin the experience at all was the toilets, they need abit of tlc.

Overall I couldn't thank the staff enough for making our special meal even that little bit more! Will definitely be coming back in the future and would highly recommend...