The Old Red Lion, Staines

Closed early (just after 10) on several consecutive Sundays, so don't bother going for a nightcap. If you have the timerity to fancy a pint well before last orders, expect a friendly wave from the manager telling you precisely where you can take your custom... Thanks.

31 May 2013 00:34

The Old Red Lion, Staines

The ORL seems to be changing landlords at a frequency not dissimilar to that of a pornstar changing her knickers. The gloomy Scouse bloke has evaporated and the bar staff have been retired, by the looks of things - which is both good and bad, if you are familiar with the old setup.
The Youngs has gone as a permanent ale, but makes a return every now and again as a guest ale. The new landlord keeps the 3 real ales in excellent condition and has cut the prices across the board, so the ORL loses its less than envious title as The Most Expensive Pub in town.
The previous landlord oversaw a rather cheap and chearful refurb, with some decking out the front covering half the old car park. To be fair, on a sunny day it looks good, but has a tendency to become rather slippy over winter. It should be rather pleasant for al fresco dining for 20% of the year.
The interior refurb basically ripped out the old benches and threadbare furniture. Some modernish tables and chairs have been added along with a new heating system (which works very well - maybe too well). Three of the table are situated next to the toilets, which wouldn't be so bad if there were more than 8 tables!
We tries the food a couple of times and its very much standard pub fare. The Sunday roast we tried was very generous and reasonably priced. At just over 7 quid a head, the prices compare favourably to anywhere else in town. That said, I'd still head to the Bells or the Swan and spend a few quid more for something closer to a restaurant dining experience.
Lastly, the new landlord seems an affable fellow who prides himself on turning out decent beer. This is in contrast to the host of eccentrics preceeding him. Alot of the old regulars are drifting back and the ORL has the feeling of a functioning, friendly boozer - something not seen there for many moons.
Keep up the good work.

26 Dec 2012 18:06

The Jolly Butcher, Staines

Much improved. 3 real ales - all spot-on. About 50p a pint cheaper than the nearest boozer. The 2 guys running this place now clearly know their business and do it well.

Most of the local numbskulls that used to make the Jolly a serious no-no have been purged, or are now on their best behaviour lest they are swiftly banned.

The old boys that inhabit the public bar and play cards and crib remain the same, despite the pub's dramatic reinvention as somewhere you might actually want to spend some time having a few drinks.

Well done. :)

10 Apr 2010 21:20