please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
We stayed here, after completing the Ridgeway. Wendover looked a hot bed of activity.... So, in order of importance to this site
Beer - Four real ales on. The London Pride was dodgy (and every pub in the village is a Fullers) but the Butcome Rare Breed was both unusual and excellent.
Food - Evening meal Average. Strange Service. Nice breakfast. With good service.
Room - Excellent.
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I concur with some of the reviews that refer to poor service, presumably the staff haven’t changed over the last few years.
I can’t rate the beer or food at this pub because it has the inglorious honour of being the first I have ever walked out of in disgust before even taking a seat, the reasons for which I will keep to myself.
But as a veteran of the pub experience I would like to think that staff would have a robust understanding of licencing laws, regardless of how rude and uneducated they choose to be.
This venue is damaging the Fullers name, I suggest it be divested.
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Beautiful old pub steeped in history, but not much else going for it. Average food. Average service. Limited ales (Fullers) and a tired restaurant and bar menu. Have eaten, drunk and stayed here and have to say nothing really impressed me. Especially not the food. One saving grace is a lovely old barmaid, but that's about it. Shame as it could be so good in a prime location.
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well done dolly
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Stunning building, although the beams seem too straight and tidy to be authentically old. inside is a bit hotel/restuaranty but it does get busy on the weekends so nice atmosphere. Outside area is not vey nice being enclosed by buildings and the car park.
yet another fullers pub (i like fullers but its getting boring). Summer ale aseafarers and wild river all very nice. Food is very good, but also pricey.
all in all, its average. do it as part of a pub crawl in the village but there's better 'food' pubs and better 'pub' pubs.
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Pub much the same in decor, etc as previous visits. Although beers limited to Fullers (a pity) I could not fault my pint. The food my friend and I had last night was pretty good, and there was a real spirit of enjoyment at the start of the 2012 Games opening ceremony. Seeing Swiftone's review of 6th I would hope they had learned from that - judging by the number of punters in to watch it they would have emptied the pub if they turned off the telly!
I am rating it as a Fullers pub, and have upped it to a 7.
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Congratulations to the grumpy, arrogant landlord of the Red Lion for spoiling the Jubilee Celebrations on Monday evening.
10:30, and while all eyes were on the big TV watching the live broadcast from Buckingham Palace - the landlord waddles over and turns it off - just before the before fireworks finale.
Despite many pleas for him to turn in back on he just ignored everyone and walked off.
You sad little man - you will have no more business from us!
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Beer Chiswick was good on my last visit but the food was let down by rump steak you could sole your boots with.
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In here yesterday for the first time - Great beer, fantastic staff - Guinness at �3.60 something a pint - very reasonable. Lovely atmosphere, will come back again!
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Now a Fullers house, giving the Chiswick giants 3 pubs in the town.
Haven't been in since the change in hands, but despite Marston's beer not being my favourite this does limit the choice of real ales in Wendover.
I'm sure Fullers will do an OK job of running the place.
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If Martin is still there, forget it.
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As a former long term head chef at the red lion (pre marstons) and currently working elsewhere for Fullers (100% fresh food) this could prove to be great news for the red lion !! Unlike other pub co's Fullers have a much more individual approach to their pubs and actually give their managers and chefs the chance to use their skills & local knowledge to deliver the goods supported by a good range of products & constantly changing speciality beers, including an awesome stout (black cab). This could be just what's needed to restore the red lion to it's former glory at the heart of Wendover's community. Good luck Martin.
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I am very pleased to hear Fullers have now got the Red Lion, lets just hope that their experience in the pub business shows through and improves the Red Lion and makes it part of the pubs to visit list again, went in week before last the they were legally allowed to give a 10% head on a pint! did top it up reluctantly
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Not sure whether it is good news. Fuller's already have 3 pubs in the town, and unless they plan to give this pub a free rein on guest beers etc Wendover could lose out on choice.
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This establishment is being purchased by Fullers (01.11.11).........good news I would suggest as we should see it returned to its former high standing in the area.
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Clearly some malicious posting activity about this establishment.
4 real ales: Marstons bitter and Pedigree, Brakespears bitter and Hobgoblin. Had Marstons bitter and the Brakespears which were both OK if a bit light-headed. We had the Sunday roast which was excellent, the vegetables being especially good.
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An obvious campaign against this pub by a few individuals who have somehow reduced its rating to a ludicrous level clearly doesn't help the neutral decide what sort of pub this is, so here goes;
it is owned by Marston's and whenever I've been in there, the beer range has been restricted to Marston's products. Has a separate restaurant and the food has in my experience always been OK. The working area of the bar is bright and rather out of place in such an old building although the public area is comfortable enough and frequently busy. Overall, nothing to write home about but nowhere near as bad as some people would have you believe.
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poor service and short measures what more can i say other than it is not a patch on what it was a few years back, which is a shame
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Garthrod is the manager
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Either things have changed, or the comments here aren't about the restaurant... booked a meal here a month or so ago, food was great - plenty of it, and served hot - service was excellent, too.
Not convinced that we hadn't just had beginner's luck, we went back a week or so later with a different crowd, just the same, great food, great service, comfortable surroundings (and a CAMRA mate said that the beer he had was well-kept). So all in all, not at all like many of the comments here...I would just say that it wasn't cheap - but if you've ever tried a couple of the other restaurants in Wendover, it is actually good value for money.
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I have learned a hard lesson; if you visit Wendover expect degenerate people and abuse.
Martin Howard and Marstons, you will not ever get the opportunity to patronise me because I am black African.
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This place and its managers are just GAY! and I don't mean happy.
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A quote from the Telegraph of 25th May 2010, review by Fiona Duncan:
"Did my stay at the Red Lion make me yearn for another Marston's Inn?
No, especially as I'm told that this one is their best (heaven help the rest of them). "
'nuff said
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twm_sion_cati said no ginger beers.
I think you'll find that lad_newton had no problem getting served and he's definitely a bit 'ginger'.(lol)
meado - 20 Jun 2010 08:02 |
First of three pubs visited on annual crawl in the town with a friend last night. Staff fairly friendly and businesslike, the pub (and hotel) have been somewhat modernised, with new-looking outdoor tables, etc.
Food represented fairly reasonable value provided you select (as we did) from their two meals for �12 menu, and the pint of Brakspear that I drank was fairly well-kept. Our food arrived fairly promptly, and there was a general buzz in the beer garden (from people, not bees - lol)
Good as the food stop in a Wendover crawl.
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Don't know what all the comments below are about.
Visited this pub, had two pints of excellent Oxford Blue.
Downsides:
No ginger beer.
Canned music in the gents.
IMHO not enough veggie food on the menu.
Otherwise a perfectly acceptable pub. Would certainly go back.
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May contain nuts.
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Marston's and the new management have messed up yet again.
They have driven away regulars and barred one individual who actively supported the new regime in spite of past differences.
Martin and Steve that's what you get for trying to assert authority in a perverse manner and picking on a soft target.
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All the many negative comments about this place far outweigh the positive, says it all really.
Terrible shame that this is such a crap pub now.
We all hope one day it will return to its former greatness.
Avoid.
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I suppose Mike and Laura (sweetie luvvie darling) will be the only locals for Xmas eve and new years eve dinner. Usually are, the police have been called out for those two kicking off before now. We will be anywhere else but the Pink Lion.
'bye Martin 'bye Steve 'bye Marstons
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abizwemmer- whites have no rights! grow up. an egg white omelette has no right to be on any menu. move to LA or stay at home ~& make your own. weirdo.
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Good News I will be lecturing to everyone in the Red Lion all through the winter times in December 2009. I will be doing my lecturing about global warming and sustainability afternnon and evenings. I expect all customers to give me an half an hour of their time whether eating or drinking.
If you do not agree with my spirituality then you are a zionist pig. You must listen to me and obey,
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For all of the 'Hub of the Community' rhetoric from Mr Howard in past posts it appears that the real warm welcoming establishments in Wendover are both of Mrs Gower's public houses; namely the White Swan and the Pack Horse.
This is exceptional achievement by The Pack Horse, particularly, and the White Swan as they do not serve food!
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Shows the ignorance of the Red Lion and their attitude towards customers.
A white omelette is popular for it's low cholesterol.
You can bet if Peter Doraisamy the Stick ordered one they would bend over with their pants down for him.
If I ordered Kashrut menu (kosher) because of my faith do you think Martin and Steve would oblige?
Whites have no rights in the Red Lion (or is it the Pink Lion?)
Abi
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Thank you mcrewe. No hard feelings.
Actually one of the managers had a black eye a while back. Did he get on the wrong side of one of the locals?
Could somone bop the other manager for me
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I no longer visit here and I know tabasco boy poster has left the village because of the abuse.
Strange that Danny11 has only ever posted on the Red Lion and no other pub. A Red Lion staff member?
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Popped in here with some friends who were visiting Wendover for the first time. We had just had an excellent meal in the King & Queen and passed by on the way home.
First impression from our friends was how cold and unwelcoming the RL was after coming from the K&Q.
Souless, completely unwelcoming, cold atmosphere. We had a quick drink and left. What a shame that this once great pub has sunk to this.
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Bravo Danny!
I'm not a regular visitor to the RL or in anyway related, co-habiting or otherwise connected to any of it's staff past or present.
It doesn't deserve the low score it has currently, based purely upon it's present status as a pub which serves OK beer. My previous posts of 18/9 refer.
No food, no history - just beer.
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This site has become a shambles and has been for a few years now. I see nothing on here that resembles the Red Lion in any way whatsoever. If any of you decided to frequent the red lion on a Friday evening you would see a thriving buisiness with many and i mean many regular customers. We popped around the Wendover bars Last Friday and the only bar with a considerable number of customers was the Red Lion. The King and Queen had one person in at 8.30pm and Peter said nobody else had been in since 7pm. White Swan was the same and the shoulder of mutton had a few dinners but nobody at the bar. We got to The LIon at 9.30 and there must have been well over 100 people and the restaurant looked pretty full as well. Most of the customers were regulars i have known over the last 10 years and there was a great atmosphere. Maybe if some of you took your blimkers off and actualy went to the Lion you would realise how wrong you all are.
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Fair comment
I apologize to Mr Stormwatch for my ignorance.
Please also note that there is absolutely no connection between myself (& my comments) and the current management at the Red Lion.
Cheers
Ps still beyond me why anyone would actually choose to order a white ommellete though ;)
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Mr mccrewe
I am thinking you owe an apology to mr stormwatch. As you are an ex member of the Red Lion staff, I read, you have proved other posters right about the Red Lion management with your abusive language. I now believe that this is the standard of treatment the Red Lion managment give to their customers.
This is I think the most negatively rated pub around Wendover and do you not think that the number of posts have anything to do with the attitude of the managers to customers.
I have noticed that the management do not hesitate to pick on the decent people I know of and then pamper to the real abusive people.
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Can't comment about the food, omlette or otherwise but the beer was good and the service efficient. Not the warmest atmosphere I've ever sampled but a pleasant place for a quiet pint with friends. Worth a visit.
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Have not eaten here since it was ran by Phil and Jan Hills, I gather they have now left. However I have heard of egg white omelettes, very american healthy living type food. Surprised chef here hasent heard of them, dont have to be filled or flavoured basically an omelette without the yolks.
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Thanks for the info Henners. I stand corrected
Can't imagine why anyone would want to eat one though.
No idea what the beers like as I havent been in the lion for a couple of years.
Cheers
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1
Lightly spray a non-stick frying pan with olive oil spray. Add green onion, spinach and dill, and cook over medium heat until spinach is wilted. Remove from pan and season with sea salt and cracked black pepper.
2
Lightly spray pan again with a little oil. In a bowl, whisk egg whites with electric beaters until soft peaks form.
3
Add egg whites to the pan and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes or until nearly set. Sprinkle spinach filling over half the omelette and cook for further 3 minutes or until the base is golden.
4
Carefully fold over omelette to enclose filling. Serve immediately.
PERSONALLY THINK TASTE LIKE CRAP.
MORE IMPORTANTLY ,COMING OVER THIS WAY SOON,WHATS THE BLOODY BEER LIKE!
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Steve the fish arsed wimp
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�Bad Chef, worse customer focus�
Red Lion Wendover
The most basic test for a Chef is cooking an omelette. A white-egg omelette is just yolk free omelette, as every chef knows; everyone except the Red Lion's at Wendover. The UK's cooking jokes are famous and the fact that I need to explain what a white omelette is every time I ask for it at this hotel is just funny. What is not funny is when the last of 5 times I stay in the hotel the lady at the breakfast just denies to serve me the yolk free omelette because "the chef is new". She even says to me that already asked the chef as she saw me and "knew" what I was going to order (good "negative" CRM, by the way). I could order anything in the menu. So I take the menu and read out loud as I show the text to her: "Eggs the way you want". And, so, I say, what I want is a white egg omelette. The whole scene amazed (and amused) the audience and I had to walk away when she said " we are just not going to serve you that".
The manager on duty in the front desk was apologizing without taking any action and my mail to the general manager, Mr. Martin Howard, was just ignored.
Hiring a chef with no skills for a white egg omelette can be funny, even a good input for further UK cooking jokes; humiliating and ignoring a customer is unforgettable. There are great alternatives ot these poorly customer oriented businesses. Me and my whole company (a good business value...) will never go again to the Red Lion at Wendover and our next destination will be The Shakespeare House.
I thank this site for collecting precious customer feedback that guide us to the best places and that will keep all of us on our toes to satisfy our own customers.
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Miserable grumpy staff avoid
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Again its been a while and it will be an experience i wont miss, slow service plastic food and wooden staff off to the King and queen for me .
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On Easter Bank Holiday Monday I also encountered the 'Peace Campaigner' kicking a football against cars, Including mine, in the car park.
I told this to Steve at reception and he skanked off and did nothing!
Customer care is not what you do.
If I am antagonised and threatened when eating out I expect the management to DO SOMETHING about my assailant when reported. I was left to defend myself and I did.
Martin, I spoke to you in person, to your face, two weeks ago and for the feedback I have had from others you have been telling them I'm barred but you won't tell me to my face. Utter cowardice.
Eamonn
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Well I never seem to learn... on reading Martins statements of how things have got better I paid a return visit. That is 30mins of my life I will never get back. On ordering a white wine I was asked by the member of bar staff "do you want ice in that?" - nuff said. K and Q will continue to receive my custom.
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Went in here with a well known and respected person in Wendover to see if there was any improvement in the general manner of the place.
Didn't know a soul except Dolly who was delighted to see us after so long.
Really nothing worth mentioning.Beer acceptable, atmosphere none existant, not a "local" anymore, just a chain restaurant/bar with none of the warmth, friendly welcoming atmosphere of previous times where if you were a local you could guarantee to see someone you knew and strike up a conversation. Fortunately this STILL happens in the Swan and Kingey.
From reading the postings on this site by Martin the landlord, everything seems okay and hunky dory, jolly good! Keep up the good work! Let visitors judge for themselves.
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The score never got higher than 4.3, ever, and dive bombed to 2.6 in the space of three months when the management decided to let that degenerate peace campaigner back on site.
The only positive reviews are from tourists who don't have the abuse that the Wendover people have from the Marston's/managers and the village reprobates they allow in.
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Oh by the way, if you are just looking on here to check the rating of the pub before a visit, it's probably worth a 6 as a straightforward high street boozer, rather than the 2.8 currently shown, in my opinion.
A lot of the 140 plus reviews have been from (understandably) disgruntled ex-regulars which means a large component of the score is based upon a comparison with the "old" Red Lion. It was undoubtedly better pre-makeover, but in the interests of a fair trial I thought that this is important to point out.
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Had a few pints in here on Saturday night after a period of time avoiding the place for no real reason other than the Marstons makeover.
The beer was in OK, but not excellent nick; I tried the Pedigree (one of the most overrated ales around?), Old Thumper and Wychwood Hobgoblin which was the best of the bunch.
One of the problems that I do have with the beer is easily resolved. They serve all of their ale through a tight sparkler, but they were happy to remove it when asked.
My summary of the vibe in the place - good if you are with mates, but not really a "local".
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booked accomodation at the Red Lion for family, spoke to the Red lion and told no late booking prices! so i went online and saved over �23 a night! shame the Red lion cannot do the same.
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Many's the happy night I spent in here with the legendary Huey "the goose" Leonard. He used to have a glass eye and a badger on a bit of old rope that used to try to bite anyone who wasn't a regular. The glass eye fell into some middle aged floozy's campari and soda one night and she screamed the place down. The badger got a bit up tight and the whole place kicked off. Legendary - wouldn't get away with it now.
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How about marrowfat peas? Can you do these with from two faggots and spit roast?
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Martin the mamager,
we will ready your own words back to you:
"...and the gentleman in question does not now visit the Red lion. I have not let him come on the premises swinging a stick around scaring everybody including my daughter since i arrived so do not worry! hope to see you in the future ".
Now tell us about petty lies and rubbish.
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I'm absolutely delighted to hear from Martin that The Red Lion is prospering so well. Well done and good luck.
However, The Six O'clock Club, The Harley Bikers Club, The Cricket Club, The Bridge Club and many other clubs, societies,shopkeepers, gatherings of friends and others probably amounting to 150 or so people now prefer to go elsewhere and not have to put up with petty annoyances such as the car parking charge and the pettiness associated with the RL.
There are many saddened (real) locals whom have used the RL for forty or more loyal years that won't go near it now. I wonder why?
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When I first arrived at the Red lion I came on here to answer some of the locals questions which I did. I find it amazing that after a fantastically successful year we still have someone posting absolute rubbish on this site. I don't know why but I would have thought admin would look in to the same person posting these lies over and over again. For your information the Red Lion is thriving even in the current climate. The locals I have chatted to are very happy and frequent the establishment regularly and on top of that Marstons and myself are over the moon with the progress in the last year. This is the last time i will post on here as i feel i do not need to as the success of the last year speaks for itself. by all means keep up the petty lies and rubbish you keep posting as it had no affect on our successful year in any way at all!! Martin
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A message to the Marstons area manager.
The villagers are now voting with their feet and their wallets and going elsewhere. Even outside of Wendover, you do not have a captive clientele that your arrogant bullying Red Lion management can monopolise.
Forget about trendy practices or 'Common Purpose' and offer us good service or kiss goodbye to our business and our trade.
The Oak and Duck in Aston Clinton are vastly superior in quality.
You have had more changes of managers than Tottenham Hotspur in the last three years and you still cannot get it right.
Despite the best efforts of the locals to meet you halfway and support the current regime we have been let down very badly with what we have to put up with, just read the other comments.
S. Thorlow
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Caught the chimp with the stick that I have read about kicking a football around the car park and it hit my car. So I have to pay a parking charge to have that happen. And one of the managers tries to tell me, when I complain, that this preacher idiot 'harmless' and that I'm racist!
I do not expect that when I come to a hotel! And pay �4 parking charge only to know my car is not safe?
Are they all wet left-liberal Guardian readers?
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Not suprisingly I see this has the lowest rating of ALL of the Wendover Pubs.
What I said several months ago appears to be coming to fruition.
Nothing of any note here, the meal for two deal is ok, beer crap.
The many people that deserted this pub are still to be seen at the King & Queen.
I really wish that the Red Lion would get back to its former glory as a great pub.
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Booked three rooms at hotel for two night through Late Rooms but arrived to find that the hotel claimed to have no notification of our booking - even when we produced email confirmation from latet rooms. After finally being allocated rooms without any apology, we found the service and quality of food to be poor. Rooms are clean and pleasant but even biscuits and milk in hospitality tray is strictly rationed! It appears that this hotel is trying to cut corners and although we have had a number of pleasant stays here in the past we will not be visiting the Red Lion again
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whatever happened to that lovely couple who used to run this place so well? I think he was called Phil and his wife Liz? They certainly ran it for a number of years and from my recollection without any argy bargy nonsense from peacekeepers or anyone!!
Rather sounds like the Red Lion has gone the way of so many other (badly) managed houses.....
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WTF? A CAR PARKING CHARGE? And all for a dull chain pub restaurant? I think I prefer Wetherspoons, ANY Wetherspoons to this.
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I have NOT brought anything up on these pages (only the black eye which was funny when I heard it).
Be courteous if they had the decency to tell me to my face that I am barred. I attacked nobody.
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There are two sides to these set of posts that I am aware of.
The management have knifed in the back several loyal customers who once supported the place just as you do.
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Once again what a load of rubish spoken on this board. I spoke to Steve about the issue after i read it on here about Peter the man with the stick. He said nothing has changed and he is still barred from swinging his stick anywhere near the Red Lion or taking it inside. He also said the reason this was brought up by Eamon because he was barred for attacking a customer outside the Red lion a couple of weeks ago. The Red lion looks busier than we have seen for many years now and all the locals i speak to are back and v happy. I went there on Monday evening with my husband and it was v busy in the garden with many old faces and the restaurant was the same. we had to wait for a table so we could eat from the 2 for �12 menu which we feel is great value and eat from it at leat once a week. great to have the old Red lion back !!
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been told the manager now has a black eye.
Poetic justice! Ha! Ha!
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Paid a visit with a fellow drinker on Wednesday, 17th June 2009. This was our first visit since the refurbishment and we found the pub to be fairly relaxed, still comfortable but with a younger clientele. More modern style inside but structurally unchanged, retaining features like the fireplace at the front, etc. Session from 2045-2115, part of a crawl.
Pint of Brakspear bitter fine but not special, 4 or 5 other beers available on handpump. Staff friendly and relaxed, and food looked good on people's plates.
Generally a pleasant place to drink, eat and converse, but the beer range is fairly ordinary.
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Totally gutless politically correct management.
Martin, Steve and crew are going to lose all of the regulars that supported the new management both on these pages and through patronage.
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This is bad news.
One of the better points about the Red Lion is that Doraisamy was not allowed on the premises, so we were safe. He is certainly the most violent and irritating "Peace Campaigner" I've ever encountered.
The Red Lion has now lost my family's custom.
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The Red Lion reneged on this promise, from the manager, to the villagers about the 'Peace Campaigner' who is known to be trouble.
"...and the gentleman in question does not now visit the Red lion. I have not let him come on the premises swinging a stick around scaring everybody including my daughter since i arrived so do not worry! hope to see you in the future ".
Start worrying again villagers, the Red Lion reneged on this good and proper.
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Publicenemy, your profile states your age as 158! Now talk to us about 'hyperbole'. Oy! Oy! Oy! Oy!
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I've received a personal message from someone complaining about my "sqabbling" about the Red Lion and to take my comments elsewhere Please read my comments those of you that wish to and judge for yourself.
As for gobion_ osei ( the man from Ghana) do I need to say more.
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gobion_osei, is English your first language? The words you use in your posts are not very well chosen. Or are you just a fan of "management/PR speak"? Buy a dictionary and look up "hyperbole". You're full of it.
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Myskolive your response is fatuous and insulting in the extreme.
Do you have the courage to tell the management that you are the the myskolive poster making defamatory and untruthful attacks on these pages at this hotel which has seen an impressive turnaround in the last year.
The King and Queen which you praise is also an acceptable public house.
I think you are fomenting acrimony and rivalry where none exists in the village.
This is a very infantile and irresponsible attitude and does not reflect the attitude of the customers of either establishment.
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Already have.............at the "Beer Festival" several months ago. For what reason do you suggest? To ask for a loan !
Mr My-sko-live.
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Mr Myskolive poster, I defy you to introduce yourself in person to the Red Lion management.
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The Red Lion is basically a Marstons pub/hotel so if you like Pedigree, Banks's or Cumberland or any of the other Marstons "guest" beers you're ok. I always come here with a group of 10ish so our atmosphere is ok. Rooms are good, can be noisy in the summer and food a bit over described and priced from my experience. Best bet is a couple of pints here (beer is well kept) followed by a curry at the Prince of India.
brouk - 17 Apr 2009 01:00 |
Martins comment has urged me to post my comment, I am a real customer and have visited the Red Lion for food and drink, it's okay but lacks the atmosphere of previous years. Hopefully when the summer arrives the locals that have gone elsewhere will drift back and meet up at the seating area outside at the back, like days gone by.
This pub has the possibility of being the best pub for miles around like it used to be. I don't know the solution though, wish I did!
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Must have been entertaining for the other diners watching you eat three peoples' dinners and talking to yourself!
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Well, I was finally convinced to have a meal in here and was very pleased with the result too.
Good food, very good value for two, no complaints at all.
Beer, mediocre but acceptable.
I just ignored the car parking charge! Nothing happened and the police didn't arrive!
The only downside was I didn't know a soul in there, and this was my local for over forty years.
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bibasmummy=ladyliz=myskolive
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Went in here for a meal and a drink to see if it really had improved and to take up Martin the landlords invite.
Bearing in mind my husband and I have used this pub for forty years we felt total strangers in here despite being fairly well known in the local pub community.
The meal was fine, no complaints. according to my husband the beer was awful. I had a glass of house red, fine no problems.
I don't think we will return as there's noboby that we know anymore. They are all in the King & Queen and Swan.A locals pub......I don't think so. Shame.
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bibasmummy=ladyliz=myskolive
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Was very disappointed to be served a pint of vinegar masquerading as a Jennings ale ("Cross Buttock", I believe) the other week. While I realise this could easily not be the fault of the pub or the staff (real ale is "live", after all), I don't appreciate being told "it's meant to taste like that". It was VINEGAR for crying out loud. I was being told this by someone I gathered is either the landlord or the manager, and this shows a sad lack of knowledge about the products you're selling. A real shame.
Food decent as ever, but a disappointment on the beer front after some excellent Brakspear and Ringwood guests around Xmas.
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Abizwemmer.................what aliases? If you think there's a problem or I'm ten people then contact BITE. Follow the links for guidance and they will investigate.I guarantee you though there are three people on here from Wendover with more than one alias, maybe you could make it four!
I really don't think any of this petty bickering is useful or conducive to the pubs concerned do you. May I suggest it stops. If you wish to slag me off do it on the personal message site.
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You won't be alone up the King & Queen with all of your aliases that's for sure.
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........Yes abizwemmer I HAVE a great life thanks, and it's not from going in The Dead Lion that's for sure.
Keep it up!
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Gerra a life ya pair of saddo creeps.
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Abizwemmer, think whatever you like.Several others have mentioned the parking charge too.
The fact is that many long time users of the Red Lion including myself for over 40 years are annoyed at the arrogance of a parking charge refundable or not, and now choose to go elsewhere. You may find my attitude "disturbing" the management of The Red Lion would find it even more "disturbing" if they knew how much business they have lost by such pettiness.
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Myskolive, you are trying to tell us that several members of your presumed family are screaming, post after post over months, at a parking meter?
That is very disturbing.
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For the benefit of the Gentleman from Ghana.........well observed ! I am Myskolive and my wife is Bibasmummy. We both have our own opinions and both visit the pubs we have written messages about. Sometimes we are together, sometimes with friends. We don't always agree on some pubs and on some we do.
I do hope that clarifies the situation, and that we have our own INDIVIDUAL opinions.
I know of three people who use this site with more than two aliases and live in Wendover, they confessed to me that they did that, not knowing that I use it too.
We may well take up Martins invitation to visit the Red Lion again and report back soon.
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I think it is self apparent that the posters myskolive and bibasmummy from the immediate entries below are one and the same. The biker poster I do not think lives in the area and has not been to any of the public houses in Wendover in recent times.
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Good evening, I have been reading the posts on here now and again over the last 6 months and I must say I find most of them very far from the truth and quite amazes me. For one there is not and never has been a car parking charge for anybody who visits the Red lion. If you get a ticket from the ticket machine and hand it in at the bar your money is refunded simple as that. This applies from 7 am until 5 pm only after that no ticket is required. For two the Red Lion has gone from strength to strength over the last few months and a vast number of old customers now come in on a regular basis and have made it known to me and the staff they are very happy the Red Lion is now back to where it used to be as the hub of the community. I would like to suggest you are welcome to come in and try one of our four real ales two regular and two guests Or maybe try one of our meals from the bar or restaurant and I am sure you will not be disappointed. After that if any of you are not happy with any part of your experience here please let me know and I would be delighted discuss it with you in person. Martin
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Jeez, you lot get a life!
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My sincerest apologies to mcrewe, I got in wrong there.
The confusion arose from previous comments left by Martin.
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The landlord or manager's name is Martin Howard.
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I see the landlord of the Red Lion (mr crewe) has made a comment about no bitching about the car park for 29 days............that's because anyone with any sense isn't going to pay it.
The locals certainly don't!
Such a tragic shame that this pub has degenerated to what it is now. Dull, cold, no atmosphere and heartless.
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Hello Biker, I really don't know if the car parking charge is still there or not, I don't go near the place mainly for that reason and probably never will now. Most of the old regulars and my friends and family have settled in pubs elsewhere for our victuals. Also the RL is most definitely NOT a locals pub anymore so there is no reason to go there.I have heard even Dolly is leaving soon after 70 yrs working there, but don't know for sure as I never visit it anymore but heard from two sources in Wendover.Perhaps someone can confirm this?
As for the Harley's, a group of Harley Owners used to gather at the RL but that particular gathering doesn't happen anymore for obvious reasons.
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......................and 256days since the old regulars, the six o'clock club, and the Harley Bikers and several others stopped using the RL.
Must be a record!
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OMG !!!!!!!
29 days without anyone bitchin about car parking!!
Must be a record!
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Four years ago at Christmas I was to stay when I moved to the area but the hotel had no heating and rooms in poor repair. I moved on to a bed and breakfast with family near.
That was then; this is now a very fine renovated hotel and I was happy to enjoy a meal yesterday, with courteous service.
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Curiosity got the better of me last night (Christmas Eve) and I popped into the RL. with a friend. Although fairly busy this is no longer a locals pub,all of the clientele were unknown to me (despite me being in the village for forty years) and were probably not locals.........fair enough. I prefer to go in a pub where I can speak to friends and people that I know and not feel a total stranger in a place that I've used for four decades. I gather from some people that the food available is quite good now.When the RL gets it heart back then maybe myself and scores of others will return, but NOT until that ridiculous parking charge is scrapped. The car park is now bigger than ever and there is ample space without charging for it.
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I very reluctantly went in here recently with a friend who uses the place once or twice a year. I had told her it wasn't the place that she once new but she insisted upon giving it a go.
As expected, absolutely no atmosphere, cold, dull, except for the Star Bar Person Theo. He's just too good for that place now, he served us with a welcome and remembered our names despite not going there for ages.
However the pub itself was so miserable, we asked a guy whom we new where is everyone, to which he replied "in the King & Queen".
My friend was very saddened to see how this pub had deterioated, once it was the life blood of Wendover.I suddenly remembered that my friend hadn't purchased a car parking ticket! For fear of getting clamped we left damn quickly, leaving our drinks half empty. WHO NEEDS THIS CRAP!
Went round to the King & Queen, relaxed, carefree atmosphere and without the petty stupidness of having to buy a ticket to park. You'd think by now the idiots at Marstons would've woken up to this car parking fiasco that's losing then �1000's but they obviously don't care. As Ladyliz says Hey Ho! We'll spend our money and time where we're welcomed and enjoy the friendliness and folk at the King & Queen.
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If you look at the stocks & shares pages in the papers you will notice Marstons have rapidly tumbled much faster than the norm for the present climate.
Sadly, no improvement at Red Lion, my family and friends will continue to enjoy the warm friendly ambience and quality of the King & Queen.
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We have just booked our Office Party (27 people) in another pub in Wendover, reason............CAR PARKING CHARGE! Another loss of hundreds & hundreds of pounds to Marstons. Hey ho!
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We have just booked our Office Party (27 people) in another pub in Wendover, reason............CAR PARKING CHARGE! Another loss of hundreds & hundreds of pounds to Marstons. Hey ho!
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Please ignore my question below as I've just been told no Marstons haven't got anything to do with the K and Q - Thank God! I'll get back in my box now :-) I've also lowered my rating as Marstons do not seem interested in the local feedback and they can stick their parking charge and my custom. The point for the sign remains though.
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Just a quick question... does Marstons own the K and Q too? If so they won't give a damn the old RL massive has flocked there because they still get our money!
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My partner and I have conducted a little survey amongst friends and people that we know on our visits to pubs in Wendover other than the RL. Over a period of two weeks we asked 41 people most of whom have deserted the RL.
The number one thing that surprisingly was top of the survey was what 82% called the ARROGANT car parking charge. Locals whom had patronised the RL for many many years felt it was an insult to be charged to park in a place that they were going to spend considerable amounts of money in, and for this reason went elsewhere. So it appears to be a matter of principle with the old regulars.I popped in there recently and had a good few pints served properly by the number one bar person Theo. A full pint each time served right up to the line and with a smile. YES, SOMETHING POSITIVE ABOUT THE RL AT LAST. So take note management, you may find people coming back during the Festive Season if you scrap the stupid parking charge.
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danny11. I respect your opinion as I hope you respect mine. But.........how do you explain for example, the six o'clock club ( a gathering of 15-20 people that meet after work) don't use the RL anymore. Regulars like myself, and 30 or so that I could name whom have used the RL for 30yrs or more, now along with the six o'clock club gather in the King & Queen.I gave the Red Lion several chances, not one or two but in reality 8-10 opportunities to remedy their teething problems and after much effort by the management it hasn't met up to previous expectations or standards. I could name several negative irritating things about the RL but that has already been done buy several other angry people. As for your comments about postings from the same people, myself, my wife and some of my offspring use this sight and all have put their INDIVIDUAL comments and opinions on their postings. Also if I see a terminology used by someone else that I like then it tends to get used by me and others also.
May you have many more happy evenings in the RL. Regards Myskolive.
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This site has become really petty and rediculous and should be looked at by bite. Anybody can see reading some of the posts that many are the same people and they just do not ring true. As i have said before my husband i go to the red lion a lot and really enjoy the atmosphere and lovely service the staff provide.
I hate to see such a nice establishment spoken about in this way when i can see it is absolute rubbish and anybody can see the staff have worked v hard to get it back on track.
Before the new managment took over i could understand some of the remarks but not now. We gave them another chance as well as many other Wendovians and we are happy we did and will keep on having enjoyable evenings there.
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Some lady friends of mine wanted to go and see what the Red Lion was like, new chef etc. I was VERY reluctant to go as my family and I have rejected this place for reasons already given by many. We turned up about sevenish, one of our party went into reception to enquire if we had to pay the ridiculous car parking charge. The answer was yes, we would get it back over the bar.But............as we didn't know how long we were going to be would we have to keep returning in the pouring rain/cold to feed the meter.
The unaminous decision was "who wants this hassle?" anyway, inside the bar it was cold, lacked ANY atmosphere and there were only about ten people there. Upon doing a little research The Red Lion is the ONLY pub out of 27 within a set radius that has a car park charge. Are Marstons really too arrogant and ignorant to realise in these difficult times their marketing strategy is TOTALLY off course? We ended up in the King & Queen and had a great meal and enjoyed good company. Our bill was �280.75.a loss to the Red Lion thru its pettiness over a stupid car parking charge. Marstons are really shooting themselves in the foot over this pettiness. No other pub charges, why here? The Shoulder has a big car park,they don't charge.
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I contacted Marstons a while ago via their website mentioning several issues that very many regular locals were unhappy about with what was their meeting place/ centre of the community for many years.
Marstons didn't even give me the courtesy of a reply.
All the more business for the King & Queen with my family of six that eat out three evenings a week.
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mysk....18.25 Friday and Saturday, it was the other way around.
What does that say ?
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1825hrs Thursday. Completely empty in the bar! King & Queen packed.
Says it all sadly.
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I popped back here following the change of management.
Yes, I noticed the parking meters but frankly I just ignored them. No one clamped me and if they had there's always the disk cutter in the boot.
The service was efficient, my drink was good but I have to say there was a coldness to the place. In my opinion a bar or hotel is for relaxing and feeling welcome and able to put aside your worries and spoil yourself for a few hours.
If you're heading out for a works do then maybe the Red Lion will suit you.
If you're a regular then you're probably looking for an informal support network of likewise minded individuals, busy blunting the harshness of the world with an alcoholic shield, or maybe just looking to tune out and get an break from it all. If so, then this probably isn't the place for you. Your money's welcome but you're in the way of the office party who are looking embarrassed, wearing paper hats and trying to ignore the 50 something boss's pass at the 16 year old secretary.
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Seems a lot of bitterness going on between members.
Quite simply, people vote with their feet and go to the pub that they enjoy the most. I have turned my back on the Red Lion because of the parking charge, poor beer, no atmosphere, poor staff attitude (not all) and a dislike for Marstons attitude. When these problems are resolved then I will return. I used to spend �1000's in there when it was a good pub, and was in there EVERY night.
Good luck Landlord!
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i am pleased to see that other people have made honest comments on this site, i use this site all the time for finding nice pubs to visit, but have found many of the comments made by eamon-tabasco-boy's are very personal and quite offensive to say the least. i do not lie. there was five items not available off the menu when i tried to eat there, this was only 7pm!
i went there two nights later and was informed that the guiness was off. i gave it another go last week and left very dissapointed again. please sort out the Red Lion marstons.
i ended up in the Swan and the K&Q, both of which were spot on.
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Are Marstons really so stupid not to think that if I want to pop in for a "quick one" that I'm going to pay a car parking charge. They have MOST certainly got it wrong with their marketing strategy this time. I may have popped in for a quick one at lunch time and come back later in the evening with my family of six for a meal, but not with that attitude. WAKE UP YOU IDIOTS AT MARSTONS!
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I wrote recently to Marstons via email to their "contact us" website.
My feelings were expressed as to the downfall of The Red Lion. Amongst other things I mentioned the car parking charge (I'm aware of the hairdresser) mentioned in another review but she did have the permission of the Boss. There has always been plenty of space in the car park, I've never had a problem in 30yrs to park, but Marstons have now driven people away with this pettiness.In my email I mentioned on a positive note that I liked the extension to the restaurant and that the rooms were very nice. I did however mention the appalling attitude of some of the "younger" staff. The food was inconsistant, I have eaten there three times since the refurb, not really any thing to mention.I mentioned many other things, plus & minus. Anyway the reply from Marstons came back as dont care, so what, don't like don't go. So with this attitude myself and most of Wendover go to other establishments where your custom is met with courtesy and good food service and all one would expect from a well run pub.I do hope this review passes eamonn_tabasco_boy's spelling criterea. I received an abusive message from him for being a coward and not divilging my real identity.
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Well as intended (see last review) a couple of weeks ago and I paid a return visit to our old local - we noted that the sign has been changed to show the old lion back in red rather than the tutti frutti sign - an immediate tick. So full of hope and promise we parked up and went inside. The first words we were met with were "have you got a parking ticket for your car" the car park was empty and so was the bar! We asked about the parking to be told about getting a ticket, refunding money etc but when it's peeing down outside you just want a warm welcome and an ale (and a soft drink for my preggers mate) not to be made to go dashing back out there after you've managed to get change from the bar etc etc When we asked the staff was it true the place had a new manager the comment was "oh you mean w**ker yeah he's over there." We didn't stay for a drink so can't rate the beer but trying to be positive I've given the place an extra point for the sign. Still feeling disappointed and no I won't be returning. I did ask why the parking - apparently it is all to do with a hairdresser parking her car there for a few years! At least she was a regular customer! Apologies to the "monied toff" no offence it was based upon a comment that came from the previous manager who stated they (Marstons) would be looking for a certain clientel and they (the other pubs in Wendover) could "mop up" the rif raf (us locals)
I also didn't like or agree about "the man with the stick" I thought this site was about rating beer and pubs not having a go at local characters. Oh and I tried the Marquis of Granby for food and beer and both were awful - but at least I got lots of exercise walking all the way there!
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My husband and I reluctantly went to a gathering in the Red Lion the other evening and it was quite busy with the locals that had previously deserted it, due to a gathering that I will not go into. It wasn't too bad there EXCEPT the short measures with the beer. My husband asked for a top up and was met with a cold glare from the bar staff, there was at least 40p worth of space in the glass once it had settled, the beer was �2.75. There is a Beer Festival on now, get it right with the measures, scrap the ridiculous car parking charge and some of the regulars may drift back was the general consensus amongst the crowd.
Reading the comments from tabasco-boy, there appears to be some bitterness against people expressing their opinions...chill out, don't take it all so seriously.
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Well said Danny11,
I, too, am almost certain that the negative posts and near libellous assaults on Martin are from some bitter individual, or persons, under different names. Probably an ex-member of staff or person that has been barred.
I think most of us know who those could be.
The suggestion that the menu always seems to have run out is a blatant lie.
Running out of beer and food was more true of the last weeks of the old regime, NOT the current management.
Eamonn
anonymous - 2 Nov 2008 07:24 |
My Husband and myself started going back in the red lion after hearing about the new managment and the much inproved food and service. We were very surprised to see it was so much cleaner and the staff very attentive and the managment could not do enough for us. We now go in two or three times a week and have loved the new specials and the much improved food. I must say having been told about this site by a friend i find it hard to believe that anybody would say such things as everybody seems so nice and welcoming. It looks to me and maybe others that the same person has a vendeta against the red lion and posts under different aliases. Maybe another licensees worried about the much improved red lion and is taking trade. Many long term Wendover residents welcome having the red lion back as the hub of the comunity. Thank you Martin
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Since my last positive comments about the Red Lion back in April, what has happened? loss of atmosphere, poor beer and food from the menu always seems to have run out. but at least the toilets are still clean.
charging for parking is not on either! hope it gets better soon
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I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENED TO THIS PUB, IT USED TO BE SO GOOD. CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHY ITS GONE DOWN THE PAN.
TOOK MY DAUGHTERS FOR A DRINK, BUT WAS SO TAKEN BY THE LACK OF ANYTHING, WE LEFT WITHIN MINUTES. SHAME, THIS WAS A REALLY GOOD LIVELY PUB ONCE. UNFORTUNATELY I CANNOT RATE IT AT ALL. AS EAMONN SAYS "KEEP AWAY"
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What a God awful place this has become, dead, dreary absolutely no atmosphere. Some friends and I decided to have a ladies night out. In previous years we have always gone to the Red Lion mainly for its friendly atmosphere good food and friendly locals. ALL this has vanished from what was a really good pub.We had one drink and went round to the King & Queen. What a different story! Atmosphere, a warm welcome from a friendly scouse man whom turned out to be the landlord, good food and we had a good laugh with some local guys.
GOODBYE RED LION! We will not be back!
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'...then keep away!'
anonymous - 28 Oct 2008 21:47 |
In response to Eamonn, yes I do have a problem spelling it's due to an abnormality called dyslexia.
You appear to be supportive of the Red Lion, thats your choice. Mine is not to go there.
Regards
Myskolive.
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"This website isn't intended for personal correspondence.."
I remember you doing just that on the King & Queen page and all the posts on this page you have made have been personal attacks.
Learn to spell..
Eamonn
anonymous - 28 Oct 2008 16:32 |
I visited the Red Lion for the 2nd time since the �new �improved� management�. I have to say that I think it will be my last visit, due to the fact that the new landlord (Martin I gather) showed more interest in the young female clientele than he did in the drinks that he served. I felt as if I was being �mentally undressed� by him on both occasions. I sincerely think that (at his age) he will have far more luck with getting this pub back on track if he sticks to pulling pints than young females that are clearly out of his league and are now (permanently) out of this pub.
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This website isn't intended for personal correspondence and I don't wish to use it for that purpose in future but it is the only medium I have to answer to "World famous" Eamon, Eams, Ted. (Sorry I don't know you) I have since been informed of the Peace Campainer's actions and withdraw my previous comments. At the time they were written they were sincere.
Eamon, as regard to your comment "stay away" from what may I ask?
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Myskolive,
as you are a fan of 'The Peace Campaigner' ('Harmless', I remember from a previous post; if fomenting hatred and enciting violence at London Student Organisations and rallies is harmless), maybe you had better keep away.
Eamonn
anonymous - 28 Oct 2008 14:43 |
With all the new hype about my old local I thought I'd investigate. Upon looking in the window at 6.20pm there were THREE people in the bar. At that time there used to be 40-50 having a drink before going home and the six o'clock club which slowly dispersed from 7-10pm. I then walked round to the King & Queen, it was heaving, very busy with practically all the old regulars from the Red Lion, and I knew almost everyone there, a true "locals" pub. Need I say more. I wish Martin well at the Red Lion, he has a mammouth task to entice people back. May I respectfully suggest, check the pipes that serve the beer daily, scrap the "sparklers" (we're not idiots) scrap the �4 parking charge, be more selective on the bar staff, bring out nibbles for the regulars, that was always done before, and kept customers in to spend more.Having Theo back is an excellent step in the right direction, but will he stay as its not the pub he once new?
Good luck Martin, do some investigating, you might get some ideas from the locals.
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Hello this is Eamonn, world famous in Wendover for being Eamonn, Eams or Ted.
I've finally joined BITE to add my views (I'll probably get spammed to death! The reason I have not joined before now).
There is not too much I could add to previous comments, I too have had dealings with some of the less savoury characters already mentioned so let's not go there.
Let's talk about HAPPY THINGS!
Happy Thing No. 1 Welcome back to THEO! Dear fellow! [Applause! Applause!]
Happy Thing No. 2 Cheesey Garlic Bread in copious slices!
Happy Thing No. 3 Liver and Mash with Onion Gravy!
Happy Thing No. 4 Home Made Pie of the Day with Cheddar Mash!
Happy Thing No. 5 Hello DOLLY!
Eams
anonymous - 24 Oct 2008 12:37 |
You people at the Red Lion just cannot get it right can you. Think, what does a car parking charge do for business? Answer is blatantly obvious.
If the car parking charge is refunded at the bar then that amount will probably put me over the limit. Well done Marstons yet again another idiotic brainwave.
Myself and most of the old regulars will continue to go elsewhere.
Shame, this was the HUB of the local community once.
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�4 to park ? Not me m8......was it 'cos you brought your dog ?
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Arranged to meet a mate at the Red Lion a couple of weeks ago. Got there to find �4.00 parking charge. Didn't have �8 in change, nor the inclination to go to the bar, get change, feed the parking machine, then reclaim at bar. Went to Shoulder of Mutton instead.
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OH - forgot to mention my other main gripe about the ale on my previous visits since the refurb - SPARKLERS! Perhaps it's a Marston's-wide policy, but personally I can't stand them. I know people argue about the effect they have on the beer, but I can't help feeling the extra agitation has a negative impact on the flavour.
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Hi Martin,
It's nice to see you're making an effort on the beer front. I've only made a couple of visits since the refurb, and have been disappointed by the ales available. I'm not a fan of Marston's beer, and even the other brewers now in the Marston's portfolio all seem to succumb to the same blandness eventually. When you mention guest beers, will these be from brewers outside the Marston's empire? If so, I'll be very keen to pop along and try them.
The beer festival sounds like a great idea as well - will definitely make it down for that. One thing, though - and I know this will probably come across as a bit anal - referring to ales as "bitter" is a bit misleading, as Bitter is just one of many styles of ale. Now, where's my anorak gone?
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Would not ordinarily be �on map� with such a low rating but I read what Martin is evidently trying to achieve and pitied him inheriting a lowly position on bite. I really wanted to like the place and, on another day, probably would have if not for the surly service and determination to intentionally short measure the beers. The lady before us asked for a top-up and received a cursory effort still way short of satisfactory, we too needed topping up and a different staff member (could have been Martin himself for all I know) again left the level well short, stating �that�s how most people like it�. Don�t get me wrong, I�m not part of the �full pint club� and prefer a head on my beer, but this was a blatent rip-off, beer coming up an inch short.
Enter to rt and old stone slab flooring and huge, but modernised, inglenook, door to comfortable carpetted lounge on left seemed locked at entrance but access was open around the bar. Nice old building, dated 1669 according to brickwork visible from pleasant rear beer garden. Wychwood Big Bertha, Pedigree, Jennings Cumberland & Crag Rat. Sort out the poor staff attitude and patent beer theft and it could be good.
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Well done Martin on bringing the Red Lion into the premiership.
The only negative comment on this site is the 'dog policy'.......
Is a heated patio not enough ? Do NOT give in to these moaners and keep to your successful strategies. Good luck.
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Hi Faz,
Allyson has moved on to another one of our pubs and the gentleman in question does not now visit the Red lion. I have not let him come on the premises swinging a stick around scaring everybody including my daughter since i arrived so do not worry! hope to see you in the future . Mcrewe I do remember you and the food was lovely that evening, Roly was hoping you would be still here when we arrived. Dolly is very happy now and a lovely woman and a great personality to go with it. Hope everything is going well for yourself and if you are around pop in for a beer.
Martin
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Hi Martin, I was head chef at the red lion for a number of years, (back in the day) and did a few bits & pieces with Roly & Graeme Warwick, pub openings, menu tastings etc, if you remember the wizard inns awards dinner in marquee at the red lion then you might remember me, as I was the chef then. Left a couple of years ago when things started to go on the slide. Good luck guys, make sure you've got Dolly on your side & be fine!!.
Cheers
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I would like to Thank you all for your nice comments and Mcrewe how do you know Roly and myself ? is it from The Wig and Pen days? We left St Neots a couple of years ago and Ran a pub Restaurant in cambridge.
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Great progress due to a big effort. These 'dog chaps' will be asking for a smoking area for their mutts next ! Ignore them and continue to concentrate on the priorities.
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Hi Martin. See they tempted the pair of you down from St Neots then !!
Good luck to you & Roly, hope you can get the red lion back on track.
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I totally agree with the dog policy; they have a heated patio where they get free drink ! What more do they/or their owners need ?
Keep up the good/hard work Martin - the pub has improved greatly under all headings. But as you can see, some people will never be satisfied.
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Sorry but the anti-dog thing is against my 'policy' so you wont be seeing me anytime soon.
Also, you havent mentioned whether the bar staff have gone back to their Saturday jobs at Wyevale garden centre or not...
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Hi, As much as i would like to let dogs in to the Red Lion im sorry to say it is a company policy that we can`t allow this. We have a large heated patio area which is ideal and we have a bowl there for your dogs to drink out of. I hope this will not stop you drinking at the Red Lion in the future and thank you for your comments.
Martin
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So... will you be allowing us to bring our dogs back in? Or shall we continue drinking in the King & Queen and Pack Horse?
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Hello everybody, My name is Martin and I took over the Red Lion 5 weeks ago. I have read all your comments over the last 6 months and must say I agree with quite a few of them."if not all". I had come down to visit the Red Lion on a number of occasions before I decided to take the establishment on. I would say it was one of the worst experiences i have ever had over the last 30 odd years eating out. The service was non existant, what food they had left on the menu was certainly not the best. and last but not least the beer was undrinkable.
The reason I decided to take on the challenge was because I believed the Red Lion and its long suffering customers deserved better and I hope to give that to you.
There are now four Bitters on all the time Cumberland, Pedigree and two guest beers changing weekly.
We now have a new chef Roly who has worked with me for over 15 years delivering excellent food. We have a batch of Traditional home cooked specials available every day including, Liver and bacon, Shepherds pie,and a selection of jacket potatoes and many more just to wet your appetite.
On November the 3rd we will be running a beer festival run over the whole week with about 16 different beers for you to try out.. For every pint of bitter you purchase during the week we will give 10p to the childrens ward at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. We will also be having a quiz night on the 6th and you have a chance to win 72 pints of our best bitter as well as many other prizes. Once again the money collected will go to the charity so I hope you come along and help us raise as much as possible.
I know you have all been dissapointed with the Red lion over the last couple of years but i hope you will not hold that agains us now and come in and give us another chance.
Hope to see you all again soon
Martin
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I agree with the comments about the red lion i too voted with my feet and walked the short distance to the King and Queen great beer and local homecooked food. place to meet lots of the RL locals
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THANK GOD the management has changed!!! I too, like the rest of the Wendover locals voted with my feet and now enjoy the George, Pack Horse and believe it or not The Rose and Crown (what it lacks in decor is more than made up in friendly welcoming atmosphere)! You can't even get a civilised drink in the "Dead Lion" (the whole point of the refurb I expect to oust us locals and get the visiting monied toffs in) whilst trying to have a quiet drink my friend had his ear bitten off - so much for the posh people policy! No "Honesty" I'm not some saddo who likes to slate new re-furbed pubs I'm a local who until last year enjoyed the RL for nearly twenty years. In the hope that through new management - and a swear box for the chef it has changed for the better I'm going to give it another try - I'll keep you posted. For food I'll give the Marquis of Gransby a try but it is a bit of a fair way to walk. If Marstons do read this could they please put the Lion back on the sign
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It's about time that "Honesty" & the Management of Marstons realised that the locals of Wendover are absolutely livid that their hub of the community and meeting place has been ruined. Many,including myself have been regulars for over forty years and are furious at the present situation in the Red Lion.
What it needs is a proper professional tenant like the previous (David&Linda) (Phil&Jan)(Tim&???) managers that know THEIR customers, and get some proper professional bar staff like in the past.
I'm convinced Marstons really don't care a damn, as the reply I received from them after contacting them was passed down to a local member of staff with a don't care attitude. Yes I'm bloody annoyed and so is most of Wendover to have their local ruined!
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I actually printed out this page and handed it over the bar on 28th July.... must be pure coincidence that 'Honesty' filed their views the very next day. Ho hum.
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I'm now informed that the Landlord has left after only six months. Speaks volumes!
However I do wish him good will and all the best.
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I note with interest the comment posted by "Honesty".
He/She describes some comments as "False". Perhaps they can explain why so many locals (The Red Lion management know who they are) now ALL go elsewhere.
And yes, I was a fan of the previous tenant, in my forty or so years of using the RL he was the BEST landlord in every possible area as far as customers were concerned. When he left that was why so many local customers turned their backs on the place.
Most people vote with their feet, I will continue to do that.
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I really am at a loss to read these negative and false comments about the Red Lion. I use this place five days out of seven and can only comment that the staff are courteous and friendly and the manager ever willing to oblige his customers and his staff. It most demeaning to have these comments levelled against the place when they are totally unjustified. Maybe some people get a 'kick' out of furnishing false information in an effort to get the place a poor reputation. I think Myskolive is obviously a fan of the previous tenants.
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For the past 22yrs my Mother (83) comes up from Cornwall to stay with me for a couple of days in July. As tradition has it we ALWAYS have a meal in the Red Lion. Having previously told my mother that the RL had gone down the pan and wasn't worth going to visit anymore, she still demanded to go.Upon arriving it immediately struck my mother how deserted it was. Still determined to have a meal we sat and read the menu whereupon a torrent of swearing emmitted from the kitchen.I actually felt quite embarassed in front of my mother.Naturally we left, it was blatently a waste of time complaining as it would fall on deaf ears. Sadly a tradition of over twenty years has been ruined by a thoughtless moron in the kitchen.I wouldn't be surprised if this place shut down from lack of customers. This was once the BEST pub for miles around, known for its atmosphere and good food and being the hub of the local community. Don't bother visiting it, there's nothing to go there for.
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Possibly the worst pub that I have been in for a while. There are so few customers that I could have imagined tumbleweed drifting through the bar area. The beer is fairly average and the food in my opinion is overpriced.
On a positive note there is a nice patio area if you don't mind the fag smoke.
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Update:
The George & Dragon's Thai restaurant business seems to have grown considerably since the Red Lion re-opened.
Speaks volumes.
Dino
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It seems that the staff are trained to take money, credit cards and use the tills. No point of sale serving etiquette or courtesy.
Pints of beer are not poured properly and how dare we complain.
The Wendover village would not miss this place if it was bulldozed now.
They have finally realised that Red Lions are Lions that are, well RED, and not three pieces of vegetable or fruit.
This is little compensation for rude, ignorant service.
Dino
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I decided to give this pub another chance last week. What a mistake that was. The beer stank, three people in the bar! (there used to be about 60 at that time of the evening)It appears that the management are only interested in the restaurant.
Regretfully myself and many of the locals have now called it a day for the Red Lion. LIFELESS,NO ATMOSPHERE,SOULESS,DREADFUL BEER. I used to really love going to this place. It just prooves that the management of the place think they know best.It does get a bit busy with noisy youngsters on Friday Night having a drink before going clubbing in Aylesbury.Someone please do something!Get David & Lyn back or Phil & Jan..... staff that were customer focused and FRIENDLY not PATRONISING.
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Hmmm... How sad, returned to the Red Lion, my old local having moved away from the area at the end of last year and came across a refurbished (really!!), soul-less and yet another run of the mill brewery establishment. As a minimum I would have expected a bit of a personality implant to the staff, sadly this was missing (come back Dolly we miss you!). So service was, well 2 out of 10 at best.
Beer, well the less said about that the better 1 out of 10
Didn't have any food, but from remarks I have read and heard I would rather keep my money in my wallet.
Atmosphere....... Remind me next time to take some breathing atmosphere, sadly lacking.
Ah well back to the Fosters..... Aghhh
PS. Phil and Jan, if you are reading this, what did we do to deserve this?
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Did you know that we English also celebrate 4th July...!
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Upon our recent visit to Wendover, we had the good fortune to stay at the Red Lion Inn for 5 nights. What a charming area, what an excellent accommodation! We had many friends and family visiting us during our stay, mostly hanging out in the pub. We found the staff very friendly, the management incredibly accommodating, the food delicious and the beer even better.
We will most assuredly visit Wendover again, stay at the Red Lion, and drink that delicious English brew!
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OMG - it goes from worse to worse!
Perhaps I'll print this out and hand it to the Landord - on my way for a REAL pint at the Pack Horse!
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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!
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I've been a regular at the Red Lion since 1969 and sadly I have to say like many other "locals" that will no longer be the case. I liked the refurb but the pub bar area has lost it's heart and atmosphere.
I ordered a pint at the bar, when it had settled there was a large gap between the level of the beer and the pint mark, I asked Alison who was serving behind the bar for a top up and was met with a sigh and tut tut as if I was a nuisance. To add insult the beer was awful and smelt as if the pipes were not clean.The staff seem indifferent,I and many others are upset to see this "hub" of the community ruined and until they have a proper involved landlord/manager we are going elsewhere.I tried the food in the restaurant which was okay, but when I complained to Alison (again) about the torrent of swearing and shouting coming from the kitchen during my meal I was told "he's a proper chef" they all swear.For gods sake get it right someone and bring back this once vibrant,lively,FRIENDLY hub of the community.
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I visited The Red Lion, Wendover at lunchtime today. It needed a makeover snd the changes generally seem to be for the better, although some of the atmosphere has been lost.
The food was OK, not at all outstanding, but no worse than many places. What did stand out was the awful chips ! greasy semi cooked excuses for chips. Surely they should be able to get that right. Marstons need to take urgent action to improve the standard of the food.
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Having read some of the comments, i am somewhat suprised by them, i was drinking there last night my 5th visit since reopening, the beer was good the food good, the refurb was very much needed. Having drank there for about 18 years it is much better now.
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Feeling very sad :-( I have lost a welcoming friend. Have returned twice since the refit and both experiences have been awful. A freezing cold bar and inedible food the first time and a dreadful senior staff experience the second where I witnessed a poor lady get shouted and sworn at, just for asking to eat after they had apparently stopped taking food orders! No atmosphere, no welcome has become a clone pub. Bring back the old leather sofas, the nice staff and allow walkers with their dogs back in the main bar please!
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R.I.P.
Up to last year I made annual visits with friends to Wendover - including the Red Lion for the food stop and a friendly pint. A real shame, and sad for everyone, to hear that's all gone now.
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2 minutes silence please for the death of one of Wendover�s best pubs � The Red Lion (or �The Two Tomatoes, Pear and Onion� as the new sign reads).
After several months closure and a rumoured �1m refit we eagerly returned to our favourite watering hole yesterday evening for it�s opening night.
What a disappointment!
Gone was the warm, welcoming bar that didn�t mind whether you had muddy boots, a mountain bike propped up against the fence or a border collie sleeping at you feet. In it�s place another soulless chain pub!
There was no �opening night� atmosphere. Even the fact that it was St Patrick�s Day seemed to have passed the attention of the new owners.
We witnessed lots of people come in for a curious look, but nobody stayed for a second drink.
While waiting for the rest of our party, we ordered from the bar menu but the food was terrible. We brought this to the attention of the head chef, who happened to be passing our table, but his despondency summed up the whole evening.
Oh, and you�ll have to leave Shep at home because they�ve also banned �man�s best friend�.
So all in all a pretty crap pub.
Fortunately Wendover has 6 other pubs to choose from!
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I'm a Wendover resident, and I'll definitely be checking this out when it re-opens. I'm hoping that Marston's will take the refurb as an opportunity to put some of the more interesting ales from their range behind the bar. Fingers crossed.
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Used to be a really nice place this and then turned all impersonal and pricey too. Real shame.
HOWEVER, for months now when I've driven past the place has been shut due to what must be one almighty refurbishment. Constant works, even over the Christmas period. Cannot believe it can reopen without improvement so looking forward to when it does.
Can someone let us know as soon as it reopens and we'll pop in there and rate it?
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After an absence of about 20 years we went in here yesterday and were disappointed to see that the horseshoe bar had gone. The atmosphere has totally gone making it souless as the previous reviewer commented.
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Attractive old building, but a surprisingly large and soulless bar. Restaurant was totally empty on the night I visited, although the bar food seemed OK. One of those pubs which doesn't work, but you're never quite certain why.
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Very much a 'local pub for local people'; beer is reasonable quality but pricey. Food is reputed to be good although not had a meal here for ages. Nice old building and the 'garden' has large umbrellas with space heaters for colder days - ideal for keeping out of the way of the yokels...
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Stayed hee with a group of 25 guys for a stag do - average age of us was probably about 43, so not exactly boisterous. We were the only noticeable guests itn he hotel but the landlord would not serve us drinks after hours, yet all his mates were sitting "locked in" at the next table.
It left most of us with a bitter taste after what had been a good day's hiking and pleasant ambience.
One of the barmaids was most accomodating checking on us in our function room that all was ok, though the two young lads at the bar never really communciated with us Londoners. Strange set up.
Wouldn't rush back there.
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The food here has improved significantly. Visited from London again with a friend on 14/06/2006, and we were both pleasantly surprised with the imagination of the chef in the presentation of our meals.
The beers remain in good condition, and we were treated very well and hospitably by the friendly staff behind the bar. We will return.
Rated with posting: 9/10
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Expensive for most things average age for customers would be around 50 so if your on the pull don't go here. I always found everyone who goes here feels above everyone else, not a good atmosphere.
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I visited this pub recently apparently there have been new managers since Lee's visit and unfortunately stanndards seem to have dropped drastically.
Service was slow, menu availability limited, and poor sized portions at large prices.
Fred - 22 Oct 2004 19:41 |
The food and beer were both fantastic. Agree slightly with what kisskisskiss stated but there were plenty of families their. Waitress was beautiful!
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Used to love this pub. Decent beer, friendly staff, lovely food.
Latest landlord seems a bit grouchy but all the rest of the staff are marvellous.
Nice irish coffees!
Mr Frisky - 11 Dec 2003 17:30 |
i have been here-its okay actually-very sleepy though and we were the only 20 somethings in there-all else were 50 plus.
kisskisskiss - 7 Aug 2003 11:28 |
Although part of a small chain, on entering this establishment you would never believe it! A range of 5 changing beers on handpump, and on my visit of 11th June 2003 my friend and I had a choice of Youngs Special, Charles Wells Bombardier, Tolly Cobbold (now brewed by Ridley's), Tring Special and Tring Pieman. Complementing the ales are the usual range of lagers and Guinness plus an extensive wine selection.
Very good food prepared by an award wininning chef in generously-sized portions served all day. This is Wendover's best foodie pub. Quiet pop music in the background allows for comfortable level of conversation.
The main bar features wood pannelling throughout, whilst the front of the bar area boasts a low-beamed ceiling and bay window. The beer garden merges into the car park. An array of pewter jugs, pots and pans hangs from a beam in the rear section of the bar. The locals and the staff are very friendly and helpful. I recommend a visit.
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