Red Lion — Restaurant in Skipton

On the 1st of February 2025, My wife and I decided to pay a visit to the Red Lion pub while we were on a day out in Skipton. Upon arriving we was greeted and told that food was a 45min wait, which was fine with us as it was a cold day. I ordered our drinks, and food I ordered a mixed grill and the wife ordered fish and chips with mushy peas. After one hour had past I approached the bar were I joined a small queue, but this queue wasn’t for customers asking for drinks, it was a queue for complaints regarding the lateness of food!! Once I had made my inquiry I was approached at out table and told its just being plated up, and we are next to be served….this wasn’t the case as other food was being served before us. 30 minutes had elapsed and I asked the same staff member where was our food? She said I’ll just check!! 15 minutes later our food was served, but I have to say the food on both plates was atrocious!…it was over cooked, hard and appeared to be reheated several times!!

Unfortunately I’ve had to place a 1 star to leave a review…but it’s not worth the star I gave! 1hr, 45 minutes for food is appalling, by any stretch of the imagination I receive my money back for the food, but I’ll have to wait 3-5 days to see if it hits my account. This experience ruined a nice day out as by the time we left the market stalls, and some shops were closing….Avoid the Red Lion pub at all costs. -A on service. -A on food. -A on cleanliness.

A note to the owner of the pub. I will be contacting your local council to for them to investigate...

This place is mis-described on Google Maps by the establishment. It is in no way set beside a river, never was a ferryman's haunt, and there isn't an oak floor in sight. It would be very disappointing if you had set out to find riverside quaintness - so be warned it's not so. I did try to discuss this with the staff but they were unconcerned. However, that being said, the pub is set in an an old building adjacent to a market street and has it's own quaintness. The welcome is warm and the staff friendly and helpful. It is quaint in it's own way, cosy, and the several large sports screens do not impinge on the atmosphere. The menu is extensive (even in these Covid days) and the food was hearty and heartwarming, arrived in good time after ordering and was tasty. There are several vegetarian options. Covid Security is excellent - not seen better - and is well monitored by staff. This made me feel secure for my own health. Hand sanitation stations abound, staff wear masks properly throughout, and they enforce the one way system to everyone's benefit. Access and facilities for people with limited mobility is good, and the whole premises is on one level (except for a step up to the bar level, but this is irrelevant currently, as it's table service). Despite the misrepresentation, I enjoyed my visit, and will happily return next time I need a meal in Skipton...

If I could give zero stars it would still be too much! Went in on Friday with 2 friends. 2 of the meals were not available and we had to rethink the order. Originally we were told there would be a 45mins delay but after paying this was increased to an hour. This was apparently due to the delivery arriving late and only 1 chef in the kitchen. We asked a waitress at one stage how long our food would be and she 15 minutes more, which would take it over the hour. Eventually received our meals and as we hungry we got stuck in. I remarked to my friend that there was a slightly odd taste to something on my plate. Not that it tasted off just unusual. Move forward to today, Sunday, 2 days after our visit. All 3 of us have had major diarrhea and sickness. My doctor told me that it takes a couple of days for food poisoning to cause the symptoms we are all having. I had scampi and both my friends had chicken on Friday. Both of these foods need cooking well prior to serving and my doctor is of the opinion that these meals were not cooked thoroughly. I will never go to this pub again as 1 bout of food poisoning is enough for anyone. If you value your health stay clear...