please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Very large Victorian coroner plot Fullers pub....4 Fullers beers on hand pull Chiswick, ESB, Pride & Jack Frost.
After leaving The Sun and wandering up to the Red Lion I entered the pub with around half an hour of the France vs England rugby game left to play on TV...the pub was busy with a lot people watching this game...personally I cannot stand Rugby Union so I sat on a bar stall away from the television.
The bar is laid throughout with floorboards & the back room has a lounge like feel to it.
Decent pub and in my opinion a lovely looking place.
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The Red Lion laid on a special "sausage roll" event last night. It made a nice change. I haven't eaten a sausage roll in years.
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What value do cryptic (almost threatening) posts by the likes of Crimson Leo add to this site?
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Thanks for your valiant defence milsonman, there are some disturbing posts on here that have not gone unnoticed but I much prefer to defend myself on a face to face basis & not hide behind a keyboard. I know we know each other, do you not feel a reveal is long overdue ? ......I'm now going to have, & enjoy, a dusty beer - cheers !!
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Just seen the short measure comment and am astonished. Never seen it in my years of going to the pub. It doesn't mean I am blind faithful. Sometimes the draught beers have tasted a bit dusty and I let them know! but never deliberately short or not fully topped up if asked ( with new staff certainly).
The only possible explanation would be that a brand new and unsupervised antipodean had escaped from his minders to serve you MK, was a Queensland Reds supporter so was getting you back for their defeat to the Lions ( the timings work)?
Maybe you were there on a very hot day and were distressed by the kids?
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That is hard to believe MK Bee : 2 inches gap in top of your glass then only filled up another inch ? Do you know how enormous that is?? If true, the Red Lion can go in the Guinness Book of Records as the stingiest measure in the UK.
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How on earth is this pub in the Good Beer Guide???
Standard Fullers choice, Summer Ale was off.
Asked for 3 pints of London Pride. The barman then put down 3 pints that were filled to about 2 inches from the top. I inspected the glass to see if they were oversized and no they were standard. I looked back at the barman to see if he was going to top them up, and no he expected me to accept them as they were. By now, I was thinking that there was a hidden camera and I was part of some kind of joke. When I asked for a top up he then filled them up to about an inch from the top, so I asked for another top up and he started to get a bit shirty. Obviously, people around Barnes have so much money, they are not used to anybody questioning this. Even if he was new, surely the first thing you teach barstaff is not to break the law.
Anyway, out to the kid filled beer garden. The beer was far too cold, it was tasteless, me and my friends tipped away half a pint of London pride each, then moved onto the Bricklayers in Putney, a pub that deserves to be in the GBG.
I've been drinking London Pride for years and never had to throw one away. Come on CAMRA, sort it out, please save us from these awful experiences and keep them away from the GBG!
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Is away from the centre of Barnes down towards the Wetland Centre, Barnes RFC and the delightful Riva. Good beer, a proper fireplace and a restaurant area so that drinkers (unless you are unlucky) aren't stuck with eaters and vice versa.
I always wonder why the exterior is painted grey, for some reason I feel red should feature somewhere!
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The pub has been experimenting with some fantastic food ( Venison con carne, three separate mini meat pies and gravy and this weekend a venison dish with vegetable pie) which has added to its appeal. Also my daughter has just got a puppy so an added bonus of being Dog Friendly- a new world to me.
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Nipped into the Red Lion on Sunday planning on just having a 'swift half', ended up staying for dinner. The Jack Frost was very nice, if a touch over-chilled. The food was decent quality. Yes there were lots of kids, but it is a family pub at lunchtime at the weekend so to be expected.
Deggo - 10 Dec 2012 16:58 |
I have said before (about the Anglers in Teddington) that it's 'horses for courses'. In other words, where there are many children, best to avoid if you want peace and quiet. Conversely, if you have children of your own, do bring them to such pubs. That way, everyone is happy. At least that's the theory.
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Popped in for dinner one Sunday, fish and chips was ok but overpriced as usual however they did have an interesting vegetarian option instead of the usual veggie burger. However full of annoying middle classes with horrible kids - the usual Barnes set.
Saifa - 17 Feb 2012 19:10 |
Thanks Milsonman, you have reassured me somewhat.
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Huntforbeer interesting comment. Barnes as location is a big family area so you may have been unlucky in timing. Certainly in the summer they are all outside so that helps maybe. I tend to go early evening so have not had that experience. Food continues to be excellent beers also good although I have had the occasional "in the pipe" pint particularly the ESB. Jack Frost on.
Wines are aslo good notably a white Rioca! There are some new bottled drinks in the cabinet I think they are ciders.
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Thanks for the heads up huntforbeer. I'll give it a wide berth if it's full of undisciplined children.
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is this a pub or a creche?
Called for lunch last Saturday to find the place over-run with indisciplined children.
There were six push chairs (more like Chelsea tractors) in the dining area.Two children at different tables were beating those tables,one with a spoon,the other with a salt cellar, whilst admiring parents looked on without attempting to stop the racket.
Food was average-nice pint of Pride, despite being the end of the barrel and unfortunately there wasn't another barrel ready to go,which was a pity as I was in dire need of nerve tonic because of the noise.
The staff were indifferent and disinterested.
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Reasonably big Fullers pub at a crossroads. The front area is modern and light, whilst the dining area to the rear appeared much darker and more traditional. Fullers London Pride, ESB, Chiswick & Front Row were all served. Aspalls was the cider. The place was much noisier than the Coach & Horses down the road, with football being watched by a local sports team and music also playing. I couldn't really find anything to recommend it over most other London pubs.
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I'll bear that in mind Milsonman
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Waiting for them to offer the jack frost winter ale ? It has been cold enough. The food sprecials from the board are to be commended
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If you like your London Pride, you'll get a good pint in here and some pretty decent food. The locals are friendly too.
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Despite the mediocre rating, this is a good pub. All the Fuller's beers, inc. the porter which is a rare gem and a nice cosy atmosphere made for a most pleasant evening.
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Called in here this afternoon...warm welcome, attentive friendly staff who regularly patrolled the bar and regularly stoked the real fire in the club style area, where I was seated, to keep it cozy and warm....a nice touch
My London Pride was in excellent condition as one would expect from a house currently holding a Fuller's cellerman of the year award
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Have to update my Feb review with a comment that says the fish and chips is now back to excellent and I have been having food there regularly.
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Good pub, great beers, food looked lovely. although I didn't eat (will go back, so I'll let you know later). Bar staff very efficient and looked like they enjoy their work., made me feel welcome and relaxed.
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Oh dear, get your facts right, that'll be a homemade, prime beef burger with a plentiful, crisp fresh salad & mountain of fries & bountiful choice of sauces, is that the one to which you refer? You give the game away, you're getting mixed up with your favourite eatery to which you also refer, McDonald's!
You must have been having a bad day, landlord, landlady & staff are all great!
You want to see the pub in the light you used to, so that'll be no light as it was dark & dingy. Me detects a disaffected old regular harping on about how it was better before. Move on, go out more!
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having been a long time attended of the red lion for many years i feel i need to express my dissapointment.
after reading the last review i completly disagree. although the inside is looking nicer i still think the service is slightly mc donalds like.
having had a lot of issues with the service and standard of food, i can honestly say that the manger is awful in the way she handles her customers.... sorry... are we not the people who pay your wages?
�9.95 for a BBQ 2oz burger,and chips an absolute disgrace; even the short petit irish barmaid was also embarassed with the prices one would charge for such fast food type burgers.
also what is with the NON smoking decking area. not a smoker myself but after being there with friends i can understand the problems with the limitations to their restrictions.
the staff try their best but are quite cleerly poorly trianed newbies and badly managed and not what they used to be.
i have very good memories of this pub and hope to see it in the light i used to, once again, very soon.
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I see the Red Lion has just had quite an exstensive paint job, looking good , must be doing OK if they can afford that. This pub is slowly becoming quite an iconic landmark of the area. Putney is now almost devoid of anything decent, forget Hammersmith if you want class, and Richmond is a nightmare to get to and from. Four well kept real ales were available, Guinness was first class and washed down my rock oysters a treat.I will return as I fancy a long lazy day in that garden in the summer...or two !
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Had a very dissapointing Fish and Chips for the 3rd time. No more.This is a shame as it used to be very good and was a great value dish.
It is also in need of a tidy up it is looking tired
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Top sunday roast, though �12.50 is way to expensive. Good ales, great service.I am now very skint though.
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This pub is still a good watering hole & many a recording artist can still be spotted having a break between tracks, Oasis, Ronnie Woods,Keith Flint, Natasha Bedingfield, Stereophonics & Mcfly to name a few! Never heard of the Allstars though, were they connected to Bananarama ?, however I know one of their top hits was called- SOUR GRAPES !!
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No idea what the low rating is for - I went on Saturday with 9 friends for lunch. The service was great, and we were lucky as it wasn't too busy so we were very well looked after, although I have been when it is busy and they are always very good although sometimes you have to wait a bit longer for the food. No complaints though as all the food we had was great! Very reasonable prices as well.
Plus there is the fire plus sofa's!
Very good pub to go to for food, and is also child and dog friendly!
cathk - 11 Dec 2007 13:53 |
Having been a regular embibers in this pub since before the much mentioned re-fit, we feel that the Red Lion has improved. Once the sort of place that boasted sticky carpets, tacky bar and that uncomfortable feeling that hit men for hire would be available. The last few years have seen a marked change for the better.
The pub area is large roughly divided into two sections. The front of house has a clean modern feel with zinc top bar ( with stools for those who wish to be within arms distance of a refill ) and intimate open fire for those who want to be intimate. Cosy in winter and light in the summer.
The rear area is more of a brown leather affair, a large open fire with sink up to your arm pits sofas and tables ( with chairs ) for diners. After ordering at the bar there is table service. As the Red Lion is very popular at the weekends and most week day evenings, the food can take some time ( those who dine on flash fried scampi may not have the patience to wait ) but is invariably good with prices to suit most pockets.
The Rear area comes into its own during the summer,surmounted with an Arts and Crafts, stained Glass inverted dome, French doors that open up onto a large decked area and even larger lawned garden ( were the landlord raises rhubarb and fresh herbs are plucked )
As with most pubs in London the staff are made up of a good cross section of nations of the world, we have always found them engaging, happy to serve and charming without being servile.
Being from the north of this fair island we feel unable to comment on the beers and ales ( have always been a Batemans Porter fan ) however it is very rare that adverse comments are made about the beers and when they are, the staff are happy to replace or suggest an alternative. The wine list is fair with new and old world wines represented.
The atmosphere changes with the hours, for a quiet drink and a read of the free news papers try the afternoon and early evening when the regulars begin to roll up. The regs are a good cross section including city types ( some are real people ), pen smiths, artists, environmentalists and conservationists to students and very fit sporting types ( who have the habit of making us feel rather poorly )
We like it, you may of course may like to eat flash fried scampi and miss the tacky bar and the romance of the sticky carpet.
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I also have been visiting the Red Lion for a good few years & have never had any reason to complain, the food is very good quality & as is the ale, the surrounding are grown up without DJ's or cocktails. Good pub,good show keep it up.
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Great beer. Great food. Reasonable prices. You can talk here as the music is not at a level that forces people to shout. The staff are generally very polite and you do get service with a smile. Have been using the place, regularly, for about two years now and like it more each time. The only other good pub locally is the Youngs pub near Barnes pond.I have gone of Youngs beer since they have been brewing in Bedford. Not one to slag places off that i do not like personally, I have no comment on other 'locals'.
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Uncomfortable standing at the bar. Bit of a corridor really.
anonymous - 8 Jun 2007 11:17 |
No atmosphere. Bland. Beer ok ish.
anonymous - 15 May 2007 12:15 |
Great garden, very calming & quiet during the weekdays, complete opposite on weekends.
anonymous - 3 May 2007 18:22 |
i would disagree with the comments below about the food -I've always found it to be of excellent value, as have the many guests i have taken here. The sunday roast is something of a barnes fixture -the whole place seems to be in there most sundays.
The Fullers beer are always excellent -very well kept, and a great selection. My favorite beer pub by far.
I do feel the back half of the pub is too gloomy -i prefer the lighter, livelier front area.
The summer BBQ's are most excellent. A good atmosphere in the covered, heated garden, and nice food on the BBQ.
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I really like the Red Lion, its a very good pub to drink and eat in, plus it has a warm and friendly atmosphere.
If you're going for a meal, ring and book a table, the food is excellent and has a reputation for being so.
The staff are amiable and polite, but I think offering full table service for diners would work better.
anonymous - 20 Nov 2006 16:28 |
I have been going to the Red Lion for a couple of years now, even though it isn't my local. The atmosphere is lively in the evenings but not to the point where you cant have a conversation, and the beers have always been very good. One of its stand out points is the friendly staff and great service. The food is excellent and there is always something good on the specials board.
Basically its a good place to relax and have a drink. Enough said really.
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I'm delighted that the malcontents have taken their custom elsewhere. This leaves room for those that know how to enjoy themselves to get on with drinking top quality London Pride, a selection of fine wines & lagers & eat the delicious food served by the landlord & ladylady, who are to be congratulated on running the best pub in Barnes. Don't come back you miserable lot!
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Don't go here in the Summer and order from the barbecue. They are out of their depth and the food is a rip off
anonymous - 14 Jun 2006 17:24 |
By and large, the barstaff are friendly and fun, especially the Kiwi ones (although that Austro-German one could do with a personality transplant!).
Good range of ales, including a well-kept HSB, Discovery and other Fullers ranges. Not cheap, mind. �2.75 - �2.95 is a bit steep. �3.25 for a Guiness is nothing short of daylight robbery!
anonymous - 26 May 2006 09:27 |
I must agree with those directly below me - used to live on Rocks Lane and the handful of times I've been here it's been soulless and therefore dreadfully boring, I would always trek the extra five minutes to the controversial (please read the reviews on this site) Sun Inn.
This place is so boring I'm not sure why I'm spending time writing a review on it, so I think now is a good time to stop...
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Probably the worst Fullers pub I've been in (usually they're excellent) - it's dull and completely devoid of atmosphere. It's just another boring gastropub, steer well clear.
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Based on a couple of recent visits I must advise against going to this pub - it seems quite soulless to me. I've only been to it during the week but it doesn't strike me as the kind of pub which will give you a particularly good atmosphere.
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Has just won Fullers Pub of the Year Award for 2005, so some people must like it, although I'm not one of them
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I'm actually a little surprised at the reaction that this place has got. It's my local, and I've been there before and after the refurbishment and although the atmosphere has changed a little, I don't think it's all that bad. In fact, I really like it!
The staff could be a lot quicker for sure, but I've always found the food (and the price of it) more than acceptable. Oh well... each to his own I suppose.
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Poor, basically. Could be made a hell of a lot better by either turning it back into a traditional pub (of which there is a distinct lack in Barnes) or a more chilled out bar with sofas and decent music (see Jolly Gardeners in Putney). What this area doesn't need is a perenially empty gastropub that doesn't even serve good food.
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Summer's Over - Avoid.
The Clowns that drink there dont do this joint any favours. A few misreable Red faced drunks holding up the Bar does'nt appeal and very smokey.
As for - The Friendly staff. Read on>
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Not the place it once was before the dreadful refurbishment, which was bad, even by Fullers standards. Now it's just a typically soulless, atmosphere - less pseudo gastro pub which tries to appeal to the chinless wonder yuppie types that sadly have now taken over Barnes. Based on my visit last Saturday, even they don't come in here it seems. Used to be a proper pub for proper people - now try The Coach and Horses on the High Street instead
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All bar One for the pretentious Barnes Set.
anonymous - 1 Jul 2005 22:35 |
If only more Starbucks were like this one.
Have Fullers no idea what a pub is?
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This place isn't up to much but then again if anyone can tell me one place in Barnes which is actually worth going to I'd be surprised
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Had dinner here a few nights ago. Can't comment on the quality of the beer sadly (wine with the missus!), however the food was excellent (prawn cocktail - retro yes, but still good plus steak/frites - a nice cut of beef). Service was also "with a smile" - a throughly enjoyable evening. Recommend.
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Very entertaining seeing heaters in the garden heating all those empty seats.
anonymous - 7 Dec 2004 18:12 |
Dreadful phoney dump. Could have been so good. Landmark Barnes pub run down for years and then ruined by greedy ignorant accountants. In Ten years it will be flats.
anonymous - 7 Dec 2004 18:08 |
Jimi Hendrix drank his beer here when recording ' Are You Experienced' so.....
Bas - 14 Oct 2004 14:32 |
Michelle, i always drink at the Sun Inn regulary. Its such a pleasent pub, cosier than the red lion...explain how they get such good reports in london guides and you slate it. i know who to believe. new managers have turned sun around, service fantastic. bring june back to the lion even though it is a shit hole. oh and michelle your prob only 16 and didn't even get served in the Sun
qwerty - 2 Oct 2004 19:57 |
This pub has really turned itself around. Comfy seating,great food, super music damn good friendly service. Maybe they could give The Sun Inn a few good tips on how to improve their attitude. The Red Lion is the place to goin Barnes these days. Try the Rugby Club down the side of the pub on Tuesday nights,brillint live music from the sixties allstars
Michlle Bass - 14 Sep 2004 02:04 |
There has been great improvment in this pub. The staff and management are really frindly and it's not full of old age local pensioners. There is no machines and they serve good roasts and barbies. Breakfast is fab till 1pm. The picture showing is old. Get on down there. Leather setees and nice decor great music
Steve Jones - 2 Sep 2004 01:02 |
ive been going to this pub since i was three. i was always welcome making this place one of my favourite family pubs. Shame they took down the climbing frame. The clubhouse 50 metres down the road is a lot more fun after barnes rugby club has played a match.
jamie - 13 Jun 2004 10:24 |
The Red Lion's Cicken & Leek pie is the a classic! I have also tried the weekend BBQ and again it is a great offer, Tuna, steaks & cracking burgers.
The beer is good & the staff are friendly & attentive...I'll be back for more.
jason - 5 Jun 2004 09:50 |
There was a barbecue menu on offer at the Red Lion last Sunday, which obviously agreed with quite a few punters; the garden section was full of people enjoying tasty steaks, burgers and salads. Great way to spend a Sunday afternoon all summer, i reckon! Friendly and helpful staff, too.
Cherry - 2 Jun 2004 09:57 |
No character,very expensive. What was the point of the refurb if it lacks atmosphere. Perhaps they should have some promotions,bring their prices down a little and have live music, everyone loves live music and quiz nights. Even the Sun Inn have succombed to quizzes but dodgy customers and a couple of rude staff.Something is missing fron the Red Lion.
anon - 20 May 2004 23:36 |
echoey wood floors candles etc
SEVERELY overpriced. most expensive pub we've been too in recent memory (& we live in chiswick!!!)
millym - 4 Apr 2004 16:30 |
The photo attached to this entry is from before the refurb - the plants have been ripped down and the building painted institutional grey - it looks like an east-european police station these days.
Steve - 2 Apr 2004 00:51 |
Very expensive roast dinners in here. Not a lot going for it really.
Buddy - 3 Mar 2004 15:49 |
The refurb could of made it so good, but no.
Far too expensive and totally devoid of character. Walk the extra 10 minutes and go to The Bridge.
Daniel - 30 Dec 2003 20:22 |
Does Mickey "I was Rod Stuart's drummer" Waller still frequent the place? If so, then what was the point of the refurb? What happened to all those columns of copper coins, by the way? Where do all the rugby and football players go now? I'd prefer June's cooking to shaved artechoke and parmesan any day of the week.
Mr a. nonymous - 17 Nov 2003 10:29 |
I wish I'd read the comments below before a recent visit - truly awful & overpriced (small white wine & soda = �4.10!!!!!!!!). Never again.
DeviousDave - 28 Oct 2003 12:45 |
With The Bridge at one end of Castelnau it's hard to see how this overpriced, atmosphere lacking pub will ever be successful. Don't waste your time, wine is as expensive as some 5 star restaurants - for a pub??
Darrin James - 15 Oct 2003 08:20 |
Ruined by recent refurbishment.
Steve - 10 Sep 2003 14:33 |
oh, and when i went in and walked up to the bar to order a pint, the barman told me to go and sit down and they would send someone over to my table. whats that all about?!?!?! the world has gone mad.
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this place is the worst, most souless, overpriced place i have been to. it was preivously a normal fullers pub with all the atmosphere, features and beers you'd expect... now it is a horrible, empty excuse for a pub. although normal pubs dont usually sell shaved artichoke and parmesan or whatever for �14.95 a time. DO NOT GIVE THESE PEOPLE YOUR MONEY
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A few points to make about this pub. The wine is way too expensive, the food is rather expensive for a pub, however it is reasonably priced considering how good it was, but then it should be if they call themselves a gastropub. Apart from that nothing really makes it stand out. The best thing about it unfortunately are the staff who are all new and hugely inexperienced however are a great laugh as one bar man with long hair will tell you, he was funny. But apart from that I'd give it a 7.5. Only go if u don't mind paying that bit extra for the food and service!!!
chris - 2 Sep 2003 11:05 |
So has the new landlord, George I think, made a difference?
Jon - 24 Aug 2003 15:34 |
It re-opens today, Agree with you about Arrogant little chumps Lee !
Anon - 22 Aug 2003 16:44 |
This pub is closed for redurbishment. Soon to become a gastro pub, O yes just what we need in Barnes another bloody gastro pub. Well at least it will hopefully drive out the drug dealers from this establishment.
The Sixties Allstars were the only reason to go there. A filthy pub in need of cleaning up. Let's hope the manager and staff are better than the pub down the road,namely the sun inn!!
Anonymous
anonymous - 16 Jul 2003 02:51 |
New landlord does not live up to the former regime. The goose that laid the golden eggs is dead. No bands no normal people expensive beer no friendly staff pretentious pretentious pretentious.
anonymous - 15 Jul 2003 22:17 |
The Red Lion is about to be turned into a restaurant. The end of hundreds of years of history. Thanks Fullers.
anonymous - 7 Apr 2003 13:07 |
What a great night tuesdays when the Allstars are playing
anonymous - 15 Aug 2002 02:01 |
