please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Re-opened last week and in time for the new season and it has definetely gone upmarket.
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New thatched roof and complete overhaul inside and new restaurant opening shortly.
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The Red Lion is closing next month.
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Food here is vile! I had a peek in the kitchen and counted rows of microwaves, MerryChefs and deep friers.
If you don't like food or beer this may be the pub for you. Really lets Grantchester down considering the other three pubs nearby (the excellent Green Man and Blue Ball, and the Rupert Brooke in the village)
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The Red Lion is lacking in atmosphere and the choice of ales is disappointing I would prefer it if Wetherspoons took it over at least it would less moribund.
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I have to differ in my views from hogshead about the red lion and the green man these are both wonderful pubs and you are wrong very wrong. I also find when I go out for a meal I don't want smelly dogs next to me as I eat, I think it's excellant the red lion dont allow dogs in the back garden especially as they have a childrens play area!! It's high time you go and find something better to do and leave these perfectly good pubs alone!!
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I agree this pub is not dog friendly and I usually go to the Blue Ball Inn further down the road where my dog gets a bonio biscuit every time we visit its a tradition.
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Lacks atmosphere. Given it's location right by the meadows it could do with being a bit more 'country' pub and less Wetherspoon's like. Also, given that it's right by a popular dog walking area it seems a bit weird that they don't allow dogs (even in the beer garden). Saw a lot of poor dogs in cars in the pub car park when we went. Can't comment on the food or drink as when we realised dogs weren't even allowed in the garden we went elsewhere.
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The locals in the village use the BlueBall which is a great real ale pub with live music every Thursday.
Sadly even though the barstaff dont drink here but th Landlord is decent bloke.
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I think this pub needs to have a lot of people in it to drum up a bit of atmosphere as on this evening what I think where locals huddling around the bar really stood out.
The Beer was okay and was served to me by a friendly scottish chap.
A quick glance at the menu and it was clear that it was your typical chain pub food. Not bad but not a patch on the charming character of next door.
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Lovely thatched 18th century building just off the Meadows but its let down by the minimalist interior which undermines its charecter.Beer is Old Speckled Hen and Greene King IPA and is reaonably priced compared to the pub next door as well as the food..large garden at the back where I usually sit as the inside is depressing.
Staff friendly though but no locals mainly tourists.
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Nice big pub and nicely decorated. Friendly staff, nice family garden all I can say is nice I'm afraid nothing really memorable about the experience. Mediocre food and above average prices put the dampers on it a litte. It lacks something and can't put my finger on it. Probably a new manager might help!! possibly worth a lunch on a nice sunny day.
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I've not paid much attention to the outside as it has always been dark when I arrive. It seems to be a largish Georgian building and probably a reasonable hotel. There are often groups of people there who are attending courses locally. I'm not sure if the locals use it much but they should. I've never seen it with standing room only.
On first entering, I received the impression that it had earlier been a rather up-market hotel and had been renovated / modernised in a minimalist style. There's plenty of room inside and the ceiling is high, which gives a first impression of emptiness.
Once inside, it is pleasant enough with a restaurant straight ahead and a bar to the right and beyond that a lounge area.
There is a fair selection of beers / lagers /soft drinks and they are all well-kept and well-served. Service is quick, friendly and professional.
By this stage you will have forgotten the high ceiling and be quite comfortable.
The food is a little above average on price but the choice is really good throughout the menus and specials. More to the point, it is well-presented, well-served, excellently cooked and value for money.
I have eaten there about 5 times; never had the same meal twice (I'm working my way through the menus) and never been disappointed.
Despite its grand appearance, it's a honest pub without pretensions and deserves a larger patronage.
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