The Red Lion, Sturmer

Having been a regular at the Red Lion prior to the Restaurant closing, I decided to return and try out the latest offerings from the new management, which I believe came into effect June/July 2010.

Unfortunately, this was far from a pleasant experience.

Having arrived at the pub, we decided on drinks and sat down to choose what we wanted to eat. Prices here are high, even for a village pub. You're looking at around �9-�12 for a main meal, �3.50-�4.50 for a starter.

Having read the literature around the place, they market themselves as "a friendly pub & restaurant" offering a "tempting menu of freshly prepared, home cooked lunches and evening meals".

Now when they say this, it gives you the impression of completely made on the premises, fresh food. This doesn't seem to actually be the case.

Brie and Cranberry starter, around �3.50, was poorly prepared and undercooked. The breaded Brie is quite obviously bought it, and frozen. Towards the end of our meals, I found 2 hairs in the food. When the waitress came to collect the meals, she asked if everything was okay, I mentioned I was not happy because of my findings - yet voluntarily - nothing was said by the staff on this matter throughout the course of the meal.

Moving on to mains, we decided on the Hunters Chicken �9.25 and Lasagne (around �8.25). Our meals came out, with overcooked chips, lasagne that was far from fresh and certainly didn't taste up to the cost of �8.25. Hunters Chicken equally disappointing, having only been able to stomach the chicken, leaving the remainder of the meal.

Going to pay for the meal, the lady behind the counter began to work out the price. I told them I would not be prepared to pay for the starter that had had the hair in. She then proceeded to tell me "It was fluff". From my point of view, I couldn't have cared what it was, it simply should not have been in my food. She then went on to say that as I had eaten a majority of my food, then they weren't really prepared to refund it!

After a further 10 minutes of arguments about this starter, she continued to say "we're not a professional restaurant" and "you're expecting silver service" - in a very confrontational manner.

Needless to say, we were not going to stay for desserts.

For a first visit, this was an extremely appalling way to be treated and shall definitely not be visiting again, nor would I recommend to anyone to do so. They are rude, obnoxious, unable to take criticisms, and cook poor meals, for an extortionate price. Don't waste your time, or your money here.

13 Nov 2010 17:07