The Lion — Restaurant in England

I fed back to The Lion a lot of issues that I am explaining here, when they requested by automatic email, a review. Some they were aware of: Some not.

On arrival at 6pm there was ZERO REAL ALE - big reason I chose the place. They had run out. Inexplicable in a pub/inn, but despite the looks, this isn't really a pub at all - more like a gastro-Bistro. It's only just occurred to me that I mis-chose where to stay. No Real Ale if listed remains, however, indicative of either systemic logistical shortcomings (as well as a lack of basic cellar craft - or they just aren't interested in selling ale. I suspect the latter - 100%). It was the same apparently with the specials (on both days) - There weren't any, but they hadn't been consumed (we sat down early to dine) - there just weren't any despite the extra menu slips suggesting there were. I'm now second-guessing and wondering if they ever have real ale or specials. There was no internet at all in the Annex due to 'an accident' before my arrival (and which didn't get attended to in my 40 hours of residency. Despite the UK's pitiful broadband coverage (compared to countries with better governments (who attend to infrastructure as a matter of national importance) this outage is difficult to accept in 2024. Not the 'hotel's fault, we live in a corrupt capitalist everyone for themselves hellscape - but in this Great British do or die environment 'hospitality' need to step up or step off. Dinner was reasuringly expensive yet fell shy of expectations. A different wine bottle to the one ordered was served: In fairness this was 'noticed' right after I mentioned it to my family, and quickly replaced without fuss with the correct bottle. In the room, suspect black bodies came out of the bath taps when I ran a bath. I couldn't switch off the bathroom extractor fan. The room was tired; the bed incapable of supporting me, despite my various attempts at modification using learned cheats & nous. Holding online meetings from the bar area was tiresome and embarrassing. In the end, I had to leave earlier than planned to conduct meetings in my diminutive car in a country lane using a tentative mobile hotspot. Leaving was a good idea as I had good light and no laid-back lounge jazz as a soundtrack. So - not my cuppa tea.

The back up fizzy beer was pleasant. The room had a desk. Breakfast was pretty good: I could have gobbled more, but I'm a quality kinda guy; and my mind was elsewhere trying to figure out how to solve the 'no internet' crisis before my impending...

A group of 6 of us stayed here for 2 nights a few days ago. Firstly, the Red Lion is an old country pub and not a hotel so I base my comments regarding the accommodation on that fact. My room was a large double, well equipped with ample storage furniture and with the benefit of a large bed and a modern bathroom suite with bath and overhead shower. The plumbing was good with plenty of hot water on tap. A good selection of tea, coffee and biscuits was provided. The bathroom fan seemed to run continuously but was not intrusive when the door was shut. The room was tidy and clean apart from the base of the shower panel which needs a scrub and some of the paintwork in the accommodation block was a bit tired. The accommodation is in a nearby separate building a short distance away from the pub with steps to the first floor. Wheelchair users or those with mobility issues would need to check if there is an alternative access. During the stay I had 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners and one lunch. I felt that the menu offered enough choices for a short stay but were I there longer I would have opted to eat out after 2 or 3 days. All the meals were of ample sizes and well cooked. I think the staff could have been more attentive but I accept that one of the evenings was very busy. I don’t know if there is a dedicated restaurant area on the premises but our table was positioned in the main bar, but, not unexpected for a country pub. There is a large carpark to the rear, a smoking area and outdoor seating in the front garden. In general I felt that our stay here was comfortable, the food good and importantly good value for money. I also found this to be ideally placed from which to visit Wells, Glastonbury Tor and the Fleet...

Was really excited about this place. Stayed here for Xmas eve and for the most part was a lovely stay but unfortunately there were a series of minor issues that made the stay less enjoyable. Didn't get the warmest feeling or welcome from the staff when checking in though. Just felt a bit flat and off. They lost our room key upon check in, but found it after a short while so not too much of an issue. The 3 stars reflects the price of the room Vs what you got for your money. Room was somewhat basic for £155 a night. Considering time of year you'd expect some Xmas decorations or something to give the room a cozy special feel. Unfortunately not to be. Room was freezing when we arrived. Nice touch would have been to put heating on for arriving guests. Room location not what we expected. Kind of looked like a separate university dormitory and was a bit deflated by the look and feel. Huge industrial fire door as an entrance to the room. Didn't feel right but I understand fire regulations in buildings of this nature. Had evening dinner and in honesty it was well below the standard I was expecting. Had the vegetarian pie. It was just tasteless and the veg had seen better days. Limp tenderstem broccoli was really disappointing. So we were nervous about the already paid for Xmas day breakfast and lunch the next day. However the food was nice, service was quick, excellent presentation, portions were on point and the staff were happy. Soup starter was delicious. Were too full to complete the 4 courses, but that's no reflection on your service. Overall it was nice to get away for Xmas for.once and the second day definitely made up for the evening. Will probably return for a...