The Red Lion Hotel, Wendover

Well having read the many posts about this newley refurbished pub i decided to go see what all the fuss was about. I have used the red lion for the past 4 years and its a real shame to see the way it has gone after the refurb. We were all told it will be a much better place, a bigger bar area, a "Cheers" style bar and a much more spacious environment.

What we have is excalty the same bar with less space to sit and enjoy a pint. No sofas, fewer tables and one bigger dining area. The bar doesnt fit in with the new decor as the wood is the wrong colour, the old bar remains with its poor layout and stupid waste of a service area for the resturant.

I'll start with the attempts we made to get in. The first time i turned up with the dog, as we always did after walking them in the Woods. Sorry No Dogs! Off to the Pach horse we went. great beer.

Second attempt, been mountain biking with a ffirend and we called in, a little muddy on our legs. Confronted with "you cant come in here like that".. Why not? "your muddy" but theyll let the gay pride of wendover in with a large sitck!!!!!

so on the third attempt i went with the wife, after waiting for what felt like a decade to pass to order a drink (most staff seam busy with the resturant drink orders)i finally got a pint, pulled up to the lips and instanly new it was not good, you know the smeall you get. Well the trouble to get a different pint you would have thought i was a leper!! They really need to imporve the staff customer care in this place.

Finally had some drinks, well lets find somewhere to sit. No where most people perched in corners up against the wall. So we drank up and moved to "the George" for a nice pint and a Thai meal where all the staff can not do enough to make you welcome.

To sum up the place has gone to the dogs! yes all the snobs can go enjoy a nice meal, park in the new car park and go home. The locals who used to have good friendly pub now have to go elsewhere.!

And as for the sign, at least they have seen the lion!

14 May 2008 13:17