The Red Lion, Barnes

Having been a regular embibers in this pub since before the much mentioned re-fit, we feel that the Red Lion has improved. Once the sort of place that boasted sticky carpets, tacky bar and that uncomfortable feeling that hit men for hire would be available. The last few years have seen a marked change for the better.

The pub area is large roughly divided into two sections. The front of house has a clean modern feel with zinc top bar ( with stools for those who wish to be within arms distance of a refill ) and intimate open fire for those who want to be intimate. Cosy in winter and light in the summer.

The rear area is more of a brown leather affair, a large open fire with sink up to your arm pits sofas and tables ( with chairs ) for diners. After ordering at the bar there is table service. As the Red Lion is very popular at the weekends and most week day evenings, the food can take some time ( those who dine on flash fried scampi may not have the patience to wait ) but is invariably good with prices to suit most pockets.

The Rear area comes into its own during the summer,surmounted with an Arts and Crafts, stained Glass inverted dome, French doors that open up onto a large decked area and even larger lawned garden ( were the landlord raises rhubarb and fresh herbs are plucked )

As with most pubs in London the staff are made up of a good cross section of nations of the world, we have always found them engaging, happy to serve and charming without being servile.

Being from the north of this fair island we feel unable to comment on the beers and ales ( have always been a Batemans Porter fan ) however it is very rare that adverse comments are made about the beers and when they are, the staff are happy to replace or suggest an alternative. The wine list is fair with new and old world wines represented.

The atmosphere changes with the hours, for a quiet drink and a read of the free news papers try the afternoon and early evening when the regulars begin to roll up. The regs are a good cross section including city types ( some are real people ), pen smiths, artists, environmentalists and conservationists to students and very fit sporting types ( who have the habit of making us feel rather poorly )

We like it, you may of course may like to eat flash fried scampi and miss the tacky bar and the romance of the sticky carpet.

7 Dec 2007 15:56