Red Lion, Sturmerback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Yet again under new management since late Dec 2012-early 2013 and I have high hopes so long as Greedy King allows them to make a living!
So many good comments I had to try it for myself but being late on a midweek lunchtime with no cars in the car park I feared the worst.
I needn't have worried, the service was very good and we got a good choice of well prepared food.
So refreshing to find a pub on a positive upturn, keep up the good work and we will be back!
|
Lovely local staff, family garden with swings and slide - my grandchildren loved it - all enclosed - we could relax. I had the lovely beef suet pudding and my husband the steak pie followed by a raspberry eton mess and an old fashioned bread and butter pudding. We felt very welcome and it was a lovely relaxing afternoon - have already booked in for Sundy lunch. Thank you to all of you.
|
What a disaster area! Externally, this looked like an inviting pub. However, I made the mistake of making a booking for a party of twenty-five before ordering a meal. Had I have known what the service and meal were going to be like I would not have bothered. The meals took ages to be served and were luke warm when they arrived, not to mention being over priced. Only GK IPA was the only Real Ale on sale. Someone's infant would not stop bawling. Too much for it's mother to take it outside? If this is a Greene King tied house may I suggest that someone from the brewers gets a grip of it.
|
I also was a regular of this pub before the 2010 management changeover. I was put off visiting when I heard that it was changing to a drinking in the local rag.
We had my in-laws over to see a film at the cinema and decided to have a spot of lunch before. They had driven past the pub only 20 mins before arriving at ours and commented how quiet the car park was.
Nevertheless we did try them out. As we arrived there was a party of six outside and family of six sat at a table inside. No other diners or drinkers. We made ourselves comfortable and I went with my mother-in-law to the bar to get drinks and order food. We sat waiting for 10 mins as the drinkers outside paid their tab. We ordered drinks and was told to wait by the landlady as she had to serve food before it went cold. Another lady asked if we ordered but we said we were halfway in the proceedings - she said she would leave us to it to avoid confusion. The landlady returned and I asked to pay for the drinks separately. I was shocked to see that she was stood at the till asking me what we had ordered so she could refer to a list and punch the numbers in. We ordered 3 roasts and a well done steak. The food arrived after a prolonged wait and the first thing I noticed was each plate had exactly the same size and shaped 'roast potatoes'. No crispiness or flavour. The carrots was also quite mixed - some firm yet others soft. The cabbage was over boiled. Overall the cost of �8.25 a head for oven cooked frozen food was appalling.
In summary - no customers, no waitresses, a landlady who cannot remember drinks we ordered or the cost of them, and overly priced frozen food.
|
All the bad reviews about the pub is shocking! I've been to this pub on several occaions tried many different meals, and I must say I enjoyed all of them, nothing wrong with any of them. The staff is very friendly and chatty and you can have a laugh with them. Great for families, with a lovely beer garden and climbing frame. The food is all traditional english food and the prices are great! I have told all my family and friends about this pub and I will continue to reguarly go to this pub.
|
After reading the comments on here, I put this pub on my mental blacklist. However, I pass it every day to and from work and as a last resort went in for a meal.
I have to say that these reviews were very mis-leading.
I went into The Red Lion and was greeted by a polite barmaid with a nice smile, after ordering my pint and sitting at a table I finally ordered a Suet Pudding and was literally blown away by the meal.
Every mouthful was very enjoyable and I felt a little ashamed of myself for avoiding the pub without my own personal judgement.
I'll say it again that the reviews were very mis-leading and could have kept me away from this pub.
I believe people should get their own personal judgement before following the reviews to a decision. I enjoyed the food and the staff were polite. I'll recommend this pub to friends and will be taking my family there as soon as possible for Christmas.
|
Having been a regular at the Red Lion prior to the Restaurant closing, I decided to return and try out the latest offerings from the new management, which I believe came into effect June/July 2010.
Unfortunately, this was far from a pleasant experience.
Having arrived at the pub, we decided on drinks and sat down to choose what we wanted to eat. Prices here are high, even for a village pub. You're looking at around �9-�12 for a main meal, �3.50-�4.50 for a starter.
Having read the literature around the place, they market themselves as "a friendly pub & restaurant" offering a "tempting menu of freshly prepared, home cooked lunches and evening meals".
Now when they say this, it gives you the impression of completely made on the premises, fresh food. This doesn't seem to actually be the case.
Brie and Cranberry starter, around �3.50, was poorly prepared and undercooked. The breaded Brie is quite obviously bought it, and frozen. Towards the end of our meals, I found 2 hairs in the food. When the waitress came to collect the meals, she asked if everything was okay, I mentioned I was not happy because of my findings - yet voluntarily - nothing was said by the staff on this matter throughout the course of the meal.
Moving on to mains, we decided on the Hunters Chicken �9.25 and Lasagne (around �8.25). Our meals came out, with overcooked chips, lasagne that was far from fresh and certainly didn't taste up to the cost of �8.25. Hunters Chicken equally disappointing, having only been able to stomach the chicken, leaving the remainder of the meal.
Going to pay for the meal, the lady behind the counter began to work out the price. I told them I would not be prepared to pay for the starter that had had the hair in. She then proceeded to tell me "It was fluff". From my point of view, I couldn't have cared what it was, it simply should not have been in my food. She then went on to say that as I had eaten a majority of my food, then they weren't really prepared to refund it!
After a further 10 minutes of arguments about this starter, she continued to say "we're not a professional restaurant" and "you're expecting silver service" - in a very confrontational manner.
Needless to say, we were not going to stay for desserts.
For a first visit, this was an extremely appalling way to be treated and shall definitely not be visiting again, nor would I recommend to anyone to do so. They are rude, obnoxious, unable to take criticisms, and cook poor meals, for an extortionate price. Don't waste your time, or your money here.
|
This is the first time I have visited this pub/restaurant since the new management took over, after the absolutely disasterous last new Management in 2009/10.
I am so glad we did, the welcome we received was warm and inviting and the staff were all very attentive. The menu was varied and the food delivered after a reasonable wait was hot, tasty and of good proportions and the desserts were of the same calibre. the price for two people I thought were reasonable and I would most definitely recommend the Sturmer Red lion to friends.
|
i visted this pub because had seen in the local paper , haverhill echo , that there was new owners and in the paper was 10% discount.their is a good choice of food on the menu, me and my good lady went there on friday evening . my good lady had the suffolk ham egg and chips what a treat couldnt fault it and i had the fish and chips was a lovely big bit of fish, the price was great for what you got too, and couldnt fit in desert . after the meal we sat in the lovely beer garden and had a few beers the atmosphere was great staff were pleased to help , reccomend to vist the lion as has a family atmosphere whether it be to eat or just a drink and let the children play in the play area that is at the bottom of the beer garden
|
Since the Red Lion has been under new manangment, the new owners have completely turned it around. On both occasions i have visited, the service has been exceptoinal, the staff are very chatty and polite and made us feel very welcome. The food was lovely, i had the lasagne which was spot on and the atmosphere was very inviting. I would recommend you try this pub.
|
Under new management and my goodness how this place has gone downhill,fast. Everything from service to food not to be recommended.
|
Deeply unimpressive. On our visit recently on a lunchtime, it weas clear that all the old regulars have obviously jumped ship (car park pretty much empty and remained so). Whilst the food itself was not bad (TBH, no better than previously; "anonoymous (sic)" who posted the blah about working with Ramsay is clearly a new chef at the Lion and really shouldn't flatter themselves) the service was AWFUL and the general upkeep of the pub appalling. There were still posters up for Valentines a week after the event, fag butts overflowing at the front entrance bin, blackboards shoddily written etc. To be honest, we thought the place was still under temporary management, such was the bleak, unloved feeling about it.
We had mains for lunch, wanted sweets and more drinks but weren't asked and were then just presented the bill (only just gone 2pm). Quite clearly the girl wanted to be doing other things! Sadly, a once great pub now very much best avoided.
|
i visited the red lion sturmer on 20th december 2009 we have often ate there and it has always been realy good over a 10 year time span, different managers and staff the food has been excellent. The 20th december meat was unedible,veg portions extreamly small, when complaining we were told there was nothing wrong with meat buy a the manager and we were at fault! we were made to feel we were only complaining to get a free meal! which we were not! all we wanted was a lovely meal like it had been for the previous 10 years. prices had gone up ,standards had fallen,customer service was terrible!we paid for 4 meals which we could not eat and will never go back! SHOCKING!!!!!
|
The sturmer red lion is under new management.
Since the 23 october 2009 and are new chef started on 7 nov 2009..
Bookings welcome come and enjoy some fantastic food..
Thanks
car81 - 12 Jan 2010 08:20 |
The pub was great on saturday! it was the relaunch and was rather busy, there is a new cheff which has worked with the likes of gordon ramsey, hes produced a fantastic new menue which was great! the staff were really friendly and the service was great. the new menue has such a range with everything being freshly cooked, none of that microwave technician stuff that the last cheff cooked! it was really good, will deffinately be going back again, just hope the pub can boost its opinion amonst the village again and get the regulars back in, stil the quaint little pub its always been was very happy everyone should go back again!!
|
Pitful how badly this place has gone downhill.
Firstly its about time they changed the menu. Its been on far too long and its become boring..
Secondly, and this is where I did get very annoyed, I tried a pint of Greene King IPA. Now believe me, being a pub landlord who serves Greene King IPA as a standard bitter, I know EXACTLY what it should taste like. And the muck they were serving was certainly not what it should have been.
So as you would, I took it back to the barmaid and explained it wasnt right. She had the nerve to tell me I was wrong and didnt know what IPA should taste like because I dont come from that area...
At this point I almost threw the pint over her head. Talk about a lack of customer care. The arrogant and snotty way she replied to me was unreal. I explained I was a pub manager and that I serve real ales every day of the year didnt seem to bother her. I even got another person to try it and he agreed it wasnt right. But no, she would not have it.
Thats certainly the last time I shall ever be going back there. With that kind of arrogant attitude and lack of customer service they can stick their awful beer..
If you like being treated like dirt, this is the place to go, otherwise avoid like the plague.
|
Have visited The Red Lion on a number of occasions before and have never been disappointed, but have to say I was last night, and will not be rushing back.
Had fajitas, which I have had before, only this time the chicken was swimming in a dish of oil. Very greasy to eat. When complained was told that no oil is used, only lager. When I showed her the dish of oil and my serviette covered in grease, she went to the kitchen & explained that yes they do put butter into the dish.
Clearly too much! She was 'sorry if I thought it was too much' but clearly not really bothered. If she had been then a small gesture such as a complimentary drink or desert would have gone a long way towards making amends.
Not so much the food, as we all make mistakes in the kitchen, but more the attitude of the staff will mean that I won't be the regular customer I was, and will stop recommending The Red Lion to family and friends.
|
Have visited The Red Lion on a number of occasions before and have never been disappointed, but have to say I was last night, and will not be rushing back.
Had fajitas, which I have had before, only this time the chicken was swimming in a dish of oil. Very greasy to eat. When complained was told that no oil is used, only lager. When I showed her the dish of oil and my serviette covered in grease, she went to the kitchen & explained that yes they do put butter into the dish.
Clearly too much! She was 'sorry if I thought it was too much' but clearly not really bothered. If she had been then a small gesture such as a complimentary drink or desert would have gone a long way towards making amends.
Not so much the food, as we all make mistakes in the kitchen, but more the attitude of the staff will mean that I won't be the regular customer I was, and will stop recommending The Red Lion to family and friends.
|
I think that this pub is VERY overpriced for the food in which it provdides.
anonymous - 30 Nov 2007 23:40 |
Being a newcomer in Haverhill, I really do not like going to the pubs in the town centre - they are a lot of local folk who seem to spend all day and night getting drunk & rowdy. I was recommended the Red Lion by a couple who ran a local B&B we stayed at.
The staff are very friendly, lovely food, good beers/lagers on tap, nice atmosphere, excellent beer garden & childrens area.
I do have to agree with Ashingdon Man regarding the 'charity' collectors - nothing more annoying when you are out to unwind with friends/loved ones when someone standing next to you with a bucket of cheap roses, grinning like a cheshire cat until you politely say that you're not interested.
|
this pub has a VERY well known reputation for all surrounding towns/villages. its just a shame that they seem to be loosing it.. the chef seems to have gotten bored with cooking.. it just tastes like the chef has lost the love of cooking he/she once had.
the pub has changed hands a fair few times in the last 5-6 years i believe its now a mother and 3-4 daughters running the place.
i believe its undergoing some building work not sure its its structural work or just general improvements, but admittedly i forgot to ask. they do allow children and have a play park out the back - but i believe its closed at present due to the building work.
the pub its self is split into 3 sections; the main "conservatory" type area, the main bar and the side room.
the main bar :- BE WARNED if ur TALL prepare to duck down.. the roof is VERY low, a very present area - with the bar spanning the side of the pub, nice selection of beers/bitters/ales and the usual soft drinks, nice large fire place nicely decorated.
the "conservatory's area":- is a bit more what i would class as being like a tea room, if u understand what i mean - its a small out section with small tables in a very open and bright area, just reminds me of those little tea rooms you see scattered around. this is your main door to the bar from the car park, rather nice to come in from a cold day/night and smell the food. though i think it can be a bit off putting if u were eating, draughts etc..
the "Side-bar" a small room at the end of the pub, u wont see it unless ya aim for it.. follow the bar to the end and viola.. its a nice small room, easily fitting 20 people seated for a meal,
the pub food seems to have gone down hill since i last had a meal there, i had a chicken dish which i must admit i was seriously annoyed about.. the chicken was so over-cooked and tasted like rubber.. i mean - come on.. how hard is it to cook a chicken... the vedge was very nice admittedly, not overdone.. not underdone.. so perfect and there was also the option of more vedge if we wished. so have to give them credit for that.
the staff :- some seemed very friendly and some a bit hostile.. maybe she was having a bad day.. cant really judge 1-2 people if you have only seen them for a hour or so. but overal they are quite friendly and helpful,
They have "Club Nights" which are from what i have been told a very good event, i forget the full list but there was a "Pudding Club" and a "Curry Club" from what i can remember, both of which people still speak highly of.. and a few others - so give them a try.. just dont order the chicken :)
i just hope that the management reads this site and understands the criticism's i have and hopefully work to reclaim the pride they once had.
|
Exellent beer, excellent food, excellent malt whiskies, and excellent service.
But they really should ban the 'charity' collectors from fleecing people while they're eating. They're bogus and funding crime, and there's a bloody great Macmillan Nurse collection box on the bar anyway....
|
|
