The Red Lion, Upper Basildon

Being a resident of Upper Basildon, and having lost the Beehive during the last year, I fully understand that I should be supporting the Red Lion. However since the refurbishment I have been disappointed- Not by the updated decor, which I believe is refreshing, but by two other elements that make a good village Pub- the friendliness of the staff and the price of the food.

The new owner always seems too hassled to be friendly and is not welcoming, unlike the previous owner Geoff who always had a welcome for you even if he himself was not in the best of health. The second is the over-priced and overly complicated food which is not aimed at the locals. Whist Tim is an excellent chef and the food produced is usually of a good quality, the choice is often more akin to a Gastro-Pub, rather than traditional fare. Portion size is also on the small side with some of the side vegetables such as Chips at �2.50 for no more than a couple of potatoes.

I feel that the pub needs to be aware that the regulars are the life blood of this particular village pub and they would eat more frequently if the prices were fair, traditional pub fare added to the menu, portion sizes reasonable and it had a more welcoming atmosphere.

6 Jan 2010 20:05