The Old Red Lion

Finally it is back open, after the old owners sold it off years ago, new owners took it over, then the pandemic hit, which delayed things. The building was broken into and destroyed from the inside, us locals had all but given up hope that it would open again.

But wow, it is back with a bang, the new owners have spent so much time and effort refurbishing the place and it shows. The snug is a cute little part to have a nice romantic meal, the main restaurant is perfect for a family meal. The food was excellent, so well presented and tasted amazing. The bar is well stocked and even has a nice Rothschild red, perfect.

The staff are obviously new and it shows, but they will soon be up to speed but they were lovely and attentive.

It is great to have such a place locally and I hope it is successful.

(If you see reviews older than a year, ignore them. That is the old owners who run it into the ground, and no I do not work for the new owners.)

Been a couple of times since it's reopened for a drink, very pleasant.
This week went on 'Pie Night' for food.
Very lovely staff, good service, food good, typical pub food, my only negative is as it was called 'Tuesday Pie Night' I thought there might be more than 1 pie on the menu. Having said that I did order the pie, massive portion and very tasty. Will definitely go there again.

I couldn't leave a review on Facebook so I'm leaving one here.

For me and my partner it was our 2nd time coming back and we decided to come with his family to celebrate his mum birthday.

Our meals were absolutely lovely, big portions and it's definitely worth the price.

Our waitress Carly was absolutely sweet and provided excellent service.

Many thanks to everyone for making this evening out and birthday so lovely, will be coming back .

Heard a lot about this place since it reopened. Was having some friends over from The North and decided to go here for dinner with them.
Every word I had heard and more is true for this place. Great ambience, atmosphere, very well decorated, and cozy.
Food was great and generous portions. A little on the pricey side but the portion size and taste of the food makes up for it.
Staff was very friendly and professional.
I would definitely/highly recommend this place to all I know.

****

It's back open again. If carvery is your thing you're probably enjoy. Usual option of supersizing if you have a larger appetite. Opted for the pan fried sea bass (see photo for what it looks like). Oh, and they serve Camden Hells.

Update 05/02/2023 ***
Visited 1830 on a Sunday with most wanting the Sunday roast. Was a case of having what was left. Great that they've been busy, but should have probably closed the carvery rather than serve what's left.

Compared to the OLD Old Red Lion, it's great. Unfortunately that doesn't mean much. Servers were all lovely, decor is nice enough (I had a wobbly table, I hate wobbly tables). We were seated at our table, then a couple came in and were seated opposite us...then a group of 6 were seated right next to us when the rest of the restaurant was empty. I get that makes it slightly easier for serving staff, but it's hardly a large dining area. Even pre pandemic, a little space would be appreciated.
We all had the carvery. Again, the chef/server was lovely. The food was bland, all slightly undercooked or under seasoned or just not great quality. It was perfectly edible, but not what I was expecting after such great reviews. I think us Houghton dweller's who remember just how bad the old carvery was , were getting a bit over enthusiastic 🤣

Great experience. Lovely atmosphere. Beautiful place. Me and my family absolutely loved it.

Visited here for the first time today for a Sunday roast and we loved it. We will definitely be coming back especially when this is now our local pub! The waitress was lovely and attentive! Food was gorgeous and gave good portion sizes! Very cosy inside! Nothing bad to say really enjoyed taking our parents here!