Red Lion — Restaurant in Fareham

I firstly would like to point out this has been my local pub for many years. Upon visiting the pub this evening and asking for a pint, then questioning the size of the head of the pint, I was told “yeah… our stocks are down”… and that’s a reason for me not to receive the “pint” I’d paid for. Their kitchen has been closed 5 out of 7 days in the last week. I’d usually be at the red lion this evening, but myself and 4 other regulars have decided to go to a competitor pub in the area… and many will follow if this situation carries on.

Update 06/09/2022: After Lucy’s reply, today I asked for chicken wings. She replied “why would you have chicken wings if the kitchen is closed”, my friend Neil then asked, “how come the kitchens closed?”, to which Lucy replied - “drink up your drinks, you’re both barred”. Never heard of such utter ridiculous behaviour in my life. Upon finishing my drink - I asked her if she was joking… to which she quoted my review above, along with some other slanderous nonsense. Proper wally this one… barring your regular customers for having a laugh. Sincerely hope the powers that be at Greene King read these accurate reviews - and not the ones she’s clearly getting her mates to leave.

Update 20/11/2022

So shock horror, the land lady got the old heave ho, and I feel it’s important to reflect on the new land lords performance thus far. Upon coming in, he sat down with all of the locals and couldn’t have had a more different approach to pub management if he tried. People are now coming back into the red lion, and guess what… they’re also attracting new customers. I think it’s so important to note that as a business, you just have to get the management right, and Jamie and the new team have been an absolute breath of fresh air. Couldn’t do enough for you, and you can actually get a drink without having to wait 20 minutes now… and guess what… the kitchen hasn’t been closed once. Fantastic atmosphere created by a fantastic guy. Long may it...

The food was absolutely delicious, affordable and well presented. There was a bit of a wait from the kitchen, but this was well communicated by the staff. The cutlery, plates and tables were kept very clean. The booths are very comfy but, due to the location, the view is not the greatest (unless you like watching busses go by, then it's a 10/10).

Service was absolutely excellent from everyone and all through the meal the staff were checking in to make sure we had everything and we were happy with the food. Empty cups and plates did not stay on the table for long. Toilets are kept in a very good state.

The decor around the place was very Portsmouth-centric with a very tongue-in-cheek sense of humour when it came to the bar signs. It's well decorated but it is a bit tired in some areas and could do with minor refurbishment (the cushions of the booth we were sitting in had started to split at the seams, for instance).

Parking behind the building is free all day and there are plenty of spaces.

All around a wonderful pub and I would highly...

We had two really good meals at the Red Lion in Portchester. Layla was one of the people who helped us both meals, along with another younger bartender/server (she was great too, I just didn't catch her name). Layla was super friendly and helpful. The people in both groups at both meals enjoyed their food. They have breakfast all day long there that I really enjoyed. Their chips and mac & cheese are also delicious. I gave everything five stars except atmosphere, only because it's a pub. It's not a five star restaurant. It's a pub, and I'm not putting down pubs. If you're looking for some drinks or an affordable, delicious meal in a pub with a friendly staff, you're going to have a great time in the Red Lion in...