Revisited December 2011 One of our keen ladies who lunch supporters went to this cosy pub in Boldre and was delighted with their Christmas turkey lunch with freshly cooked vegetables. Very good value at £11.00! A good place to visit if you want to be far from the madding crowds at this time of year. Revisited May 2007 Having recently called in for a drink at the Red Lion on the way home from a day out we were impressed by the menu and decided a swift return visit was in order. On our arrival the following Saturday evening we found the pub was fairly full with locals and diners alike. During our visit to the bar we were asked if had booked a table and we were then shown through to the dining area and supplied with menus. Two of us chose Scottish Salmon served with granary bread and butter, and I had Herb Stuffed Mushrooms under a melted Cheese Crust. These were nice and well presented. For main course I had Old Fashioned Pork Belly Pot Roasted with Cider, Sticky Honey and Wholegrain Mustard – a particular favourite of mine, a cheap cut of meat but not often seen in restaurants these days – and they did it very well! Our lady diner chose the Homemade Beef Lasagne served with chunky chips and salad. The beef was very good quality mince, I normally do not touch lasagne but this one was exceptionally good. We also had the Prime Hampshire Steak which was thick but cooked exactly as requested. To round the meal off we had the Lemon Cheesecake, a Gooseberry Crumble, and the house speciality – Whiskey Bread and Butter Pudding. Unfortunately they do not served decaffeinated so we passed on the coffees. A bottle of the house Pinot and a glass of red wine accompanied our meal. Although the pub was busy the staff were friendly and efficient checking on our table a number of times during the evening. I would happily bring friends and guests to eat here again and highly recommend The Red Lion for good quality English pub food - sourced locally where possible. Look at their website for interior pictures and menus. Guest Report HC Visited October 2006 CJ and JI actually allowed our husbands to accompany us today on our visit to The Red Lion. We had heard very good things about this pub including that they know how to pour a decent G&T, they do, and that their food and service is excellent...it is! The barman was very friendly and greeted us on arrival with a big smile (it is sad how often this doesn't happen). Our young waitress was also very friendly and efficient, she constantly asked everyone if they had everything they needed. Amanda and Alan Pountney only took over the pub last January and judging by the number of diners, are running it very successfully. Have a look at their web site to see pictures of the cosy olde worlde interior.... I wouldn't like to be the brass cleaner! When we left we made ourselves known to Amanda and she told us they are always looking for horse brasses so you know where to bring any spares! The third choice from the menu was Bangers and Mash, a Medley of Sway Butchers sausages served on a Bed of Buttered Mash with Onion Gravy, very yummy! Our table was very near the kitchen door so we watched a parade of the most fantastic looking bar snacks passing by; there is a separate Sandwiches and Lite Bites menu. And then of course there are Angela's famous puds, apparently she has been producing them here for years! The most popular being Whiskey Bread & Butter but two of us decided on Golden Ginger and one on Sticky Toffee served with a choice of custard or cream. The third choice was a trio of unusual flavours of ice cream. Of course I was in heaven! We highly recommend The Red Lion, not only is the food delicious it is also very reasonably priced. | 
LWL Gold Award - Awarded May 2007 - Cost £££££
