please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
This pub is still a good watering hole & many a recording artist can still be spotted having a break between tracks, Oasis, Ronnie Woods,Keith Flint, Natasha Bedingfield, Stereophonics & Mcfly to name a few! Never heard of the Allstars though, were they connected to Bananarama ?, however I know one of their top hits was called- SOUR GRAPES !!
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This pub featured in an early episode of the first season of New Tricks (where Dennis Waterman orders a double brandy at the bar etc.), and it was pre-refurb. If only it looked as good in real life as it looked on the telly! Alas, this was not the case. This pub was an absolute stinker prior to being refurbished due to local clientelle and its run-down nature. However, it had two claims to fame: the watering hole of many a famous musician recording at Olympic Studios down the street (anyone from Brian May to Kieth Flint from The Prodigy), and the venue for The 60's Allstars, a live band with members from the Kinks, the Swinging Bluejeans etc.
Anyway, post-refurb, the pub is still a stinker, thanks to the clueless wankers at Fullers. How can a company who makes such great beer be so useless at managing its pubs?
So for me, I give it a 3.
Ya might as well tear it down and replace it with a MacDonalds.
Obviously "way too cool" for the Allstars. Where they gonna play now?
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No idea what the low rating is for - I went on Saturday with 9 friends for lunch. The service was great, and we were lucky as it wasn't too busy so we were very well looked after, although I have been when it is busy and they are always very good although sometimes you have to wait a bit longer for the food. No complaints though as all the food we had was great! Very reasonable prices as well.
Plus there is the fire plus sofa's!
Very good pub to go to for food, and is also child and dog friendly!
cathk - 11 Dec 2007 13:53 |
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.
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I also have been visiting the Red Lion for a good few years & have never had any reason to complain, the food is very good quality & as is the ale, the surrounding are grown up without DJ's or cocktails. Good pub,good show keep it up.
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Great beer. Great food. Reasonable prices. You can talk here as the music is not at a level that forces people to shout. The staff are generally very polite and you do get service with a smile. Have been using the place, regularly, for about two years now and like it more each time. The only other good pub locally is the Youngs pub near Barnes pond.I have gone of Youngs beer since they have been brewing in Bedford. Not one to slag places off that i do not like personally, I have no comment on other 'locals'.
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I have been visiting The Red Lion on and off, for several years. It had a bit of a reputation for attracting drugs etc, but it then came under new management and had a re-fit.
The last of any charm it had were erased by this and although the undesirables seem to have moved on, this pub now has no atmosphere and whilst the comments below are harsh, they are a bit true.
The Red Lion is a large pub which makes it very cold and baron when there aren't many people in there, yet they've crammed in so many tables and chairs to bring in as much money as possible, that the place feels like a 'Little Chef'.
The Barnes area has a number of very good, proper pubs, and I strongly recommend trying these first.
anonymous - 1 Jul 2007 11:45 |
Uncomfortable standing at the bar. Bit of a corridor really.
anonymous - 8 Jun 2007 11:17 |
No atmosphere. Bland. Beer ok ish.
anonymous - 15 May 2007 12:15 |
Great garden, very calming & quiet during the weekdays, complete opposite on weekends.
anonymous - 3 May 2007 18:22 |
i would disagree with the comments below about the food -I've always found it to be of excellent value, as have the many guests i have taken here. The sunday roast is something of a barnes fixture -the whole place seems to be in there most sundays.
The Fullers beer are always excellent -very well kept, and a great selection. My favorite beer pub by far.
I do feel the back half of the pub is too gloomy -i prefer the lighter, livelier front area.
The summer BBQ's are most excellent. A good atmosphere in the covered, heated garden, and nice food on the BBQ.
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I really like the Red Lion, its a very good pub to drink and eat in, plus it has a warm and friendly atmosphere.
If you're going for a meal, ring and book a table, the food is excellent and has a reputation for being so.
The staff are amiable and polite, but I think offering full table service for diners would work better.
anonymous - 20 Nov 2006 16:28 |
I have been going to the Red Lion for a couple of years now, even though it isn't my local. The atmosphere is lively in the evenings but not to the point where you cant have a conversation, and the beers have always been very good. One of its stand out points is the friendly staff and great service. The food is excellent and there is always something good on the specials board.
Basically its a good place to relax and have a drink. Enough said really.
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I'm delighted that the malcontents have taken their custom elsewhere. This leaves room for those that know how to enjoy themselves to get on with drinking top quality London Pride, a selection of fine wines & lagers & eat the delicious food served by the landlord & ladylady, who are to be congratulated on running the best pub in Barnes. Don't come back you miserable lot!
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Don't go here in the Summer and order from the barbecue. They are out of their depth and the food is a rip off
anonymous - 14 Jun 2006 17:24 |
By and large, the barstaff are friendly and fun, especially the Kiwi ones (although that Austro-German one could do with a personality transplant!).
Good range of ales, including a well-kept HSB, Discovery and other Fullers ranges. Not cheap, mind. £2.75 - £2.95 is a bit steep. £3.25 for a Guiness is nothing short of daylight robbery!
anonymous - 26 May 2006 09:27 |
I must agree with those directly below me - used to live on Rocks Lane and the handful of times I've been here it's been soulless and therefore dreadfully boring, I would always trek the extra five minutes to the controversial (please read the reviews on this site) Sun Inn.
This place is so boring I'm not sure why I'm spending time writing a review on it, so I think now is a good time to stop...
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Probably the worst Fullers pub I've been in (usually they're excellent) - it's dull and completely devoid of atmosphere. It's just another boring gastropub, steer well clear.
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Based on a couple of recent visits I must advise against going to this pub - it seems quite soulless to me. I've only been to it during the week but it doesn't strike me as the kind of pub which will give you a particularly good atmosphere.
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Has just won Fullers Pub of the Year Award for 2005, so some people must like it, although I'm not one of them
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I'm actually a little surprised at the reaction that this place has got. It's my local, and I've been there before and after the refurbishment and although the atmosphere has changed a little, I don't think it's all that bad. In fact, I really like it!
The staff could be a lot quicker for sure, but I've always found the food (and the price of it) more than acceptable. Oh well... each to his own I suppose.
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Poor, basically. Could be made a hell of a lot better by either turning it back into a traditional pub (of which there is a distinct lack in Barnes) or a more chilled out bar with sofas and decent music (see Jolly Gardeners in Putney). What this area doesn't need is a perenially empty gastropub that doesn't even serve good food.
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Summer's Over - Avoid.
The Clowns that drink there dont do this joint any favours. A few misreable Red faced drunks holding up the Bar does'nt appeal and very smokey.
As for - The Friendly staff. Read on>
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Not the place it once was before the dreadful refurbishment, which was bad, even by Fullers standards. Now it's just a typically soulless, atmosphere - less pseudo gastro pub which tries to appeal to the chinless wonder yuppie types that sadly have now taken over Barnes. Based on my visit last Saturday, even they don't come in here it seems. Used to be a proper pub for proper people - now try The Coach and Horses on the High Street instead
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All bar One for the pretentious Barnes Set.
anonymous - 1 Jul 2005 22:35 |
If only more Starbucks were like this one.
Have Fullers no idea what a pub is?
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This place isn't up to much but then again if anyone can tell me one place in Barnes which is actually worth going to I'd be surprised
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Had dinner here a few nights ago. Can't comment on the quality of the beer sadly (wine with the missus!), however the food was excellent (prawn cocktail - retro yes, but still good plus steak/frites - a nice cut of beef). Service was also "with a smile" - a throughly enjoyable evening. Recommend.
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Very entertaining seeing heaters in the garden heating all those empty seats.
anonymous - 7 Dec 2004 18:12 |
Dreadful phoney dump. Could have been so good. Landmark Barnes pub run down for years and then ruined by greedy ignorant accountants. In Ten years it will be flats.
anonymous - 7 Dec 2004 18:08 |
Jimi Hendrix drank his beer here when recording ' Are You Experienced' so.....
Bas - 14 Oct 2004 14:32 |
Michelle, i always drink at the Sun Inn regulary. Its such a pleasent pub, cosier than the red lion...explain how they get such good reports in london guides and you slate it. i know who to believe. new managers have turned sun around, service fantastic. bring june back to the lion even though it is a shit hole. oh and michelle your prob only 16 and didn't even get served in the Sun
qwerty - 2 Oct 2004 19:57 |
This pub has really turned itself around. Comfy seating,great food, super music damn good friendly service. Maybe they could give The Sun Inn a few good tips on how to improve their attitude. The Red Lion is the place to goin Barnes these days. Try the Rugby Club down the side of the pub on Tuesday nights,brillint live music from the sixties allstars
Michlle Bass - 14 Sep 2004 02:04 |
There has been great improvment in this pub. The staff and management are really frindly and it's not full of old age local pensioners. There is no machines and they serve good roasts and barbies. Breakfast is fab till 1pm. The picture showing is old. Get on down there. Leather setees and nice decor great music
Steve Jones - 2 Sep 2004 01:02 |
ive been going to this pub since i was three. i was always welcome making this place one of my favourite family pubs. Shame they took down the climbing frame. The clubhouse 50 metres down the road is a lot more fun after barnes rugby club has played a match.
jamie - 13 Jun 2004 10:24 |
The Red Lion's Cicken & Leek pie is the a classic! I have also tried the weekend BBQ and again it is a great offer, Tuna, steaks & cracking burgers.
The beer is good & the staff are friendly & attentive...I'll be back for more.
jason - 5 Jun 2004 09:50 |
There was a barbecue menu on offer at the Red Lion last Sunday, which obviously agreed with quite a few punters; the garden section was full of people enjoying tasty steaks, burgers and salads. Great way to spend a Sunday afternoon all summer, i reckon! Friendly and helpful staff, too.
Cherry - 2 Jun 2004 09:57 |
No character,very expensive. What was the point of the refurb if it lacks atmosphere. Perhaps they should have some promotions,bring their prices down a little and have live music, everyone loves live music and quiz nights. Even the Sun Inn have succombed to quizzes but dodgy customers and a couple of rude staff.Something is missing fron the Red Lion.
anon - 20 May 2004 23:36 |
echoey wood floors candles etc
SEVERELY overpriced. most expensive pub we've been too in recent memory (& we live in chiswick!!!)
millym - 4 Apr 2004 16:30 |
The photo attached to this entry is from before the refurb - the plants have been ripped down and the building painted institutional grey - it looks like an east-european police station these days.
Steve - 2 Apr 2004 00:51 |
Very expensive roast dinners in here. Not a lot going for it really.
Buddy - 3 Mar 2004 15:49 |
The refurb could of made it so good, but no.
Far too expensive and totally devoid of character. Walk the extra 10 minutes and go to The Bridge.
Daniel - 30 Dec 2003 20:22 |
Does Mickey "I was Rod Stuart's drummer" Waller still frequent the place? If so, then what was the point of the refurb? What happened to all those columns of copper coins, by the way? Where do all the rugby and football players go now? I'd prefer June's cooking to shaved artechoke and parmesan any day of the week.
Mr a. nonymous - 17 Nov 2003 10:29 |
I wish I'd read the comments below before a recent visit - truly awful & overpriced (small white wine & soda = £4.10!!!!!!!!). Never again.
DeviousDave - 28 Oct 2003 12:45 |
With The Bridge at one end of Castelnau it's hard to see how this overpriced, atmosphere lacking pub will ever be successful. Don't waste your time, wine is as expensive as some 5 star restaurants - for a pub??
Darrin James - 15 Oct 2003 08:20 |
Ruined by recent refurbishment.
Steve - 10 Sep 2003 14:33 |
oh, and when i went in and walked up to the bar to order a pint, the barman told me to go and sit down and they would send someone over to my table. whats that all about?!?!?! the world has gone mad.
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this place is the worst, most souless, overpriced place i have been to. it was preivously a normal fullers pub with all the atmosphere, features and beers you'd expect... now it is a horrible, empty excuse for a pub. although normal pubs dont usually sell shaved artichoke and parmesan or whatever for £14.95 a time. DO NOT GIVE THESE PEOPLE YOUR MONEY
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A few points to make about this pub. The wine is way too expensive, the food is rather expensive for a pub, however it is reasonably priced considering how good it was, but then it should be if they call themselves a gastropub. Apart from that nothing really makes it stand out. The best thing about it unfortunately are the staff who are all new and hugely inexperienced however are a great laugh as one bar man with long hair will tell you, he was funny. But apart from that I'd give it a 7.5. Only go if u don't mind paying that bit extra for the food and service!!!
chris - 2 Sep 2003 11:05 |
This pub was indeed in need of cleaning up.And has been but at what cost. From a traditional pub we now have yet another gastro pub in barnes.You feel intimidated as u sit having a drink "im afraid we dont have pint glasses" because the staff are expecting u to buy an over priced meal.The idea of traditional pubs is ceasing to be as we are having to make way for the novelty of swanky bars.
anonymous - 25 Aug 2003 16:51 |
So has the new landlord, George I think, made a difference?
Jon - 24 Aug 2003 15:34 |
It re-opens today, Agree with you about Arrogant little chumps Lee !
Anon - 22 Aug 2003 16:44 |
This pub is closed for redurbishment. Soon to become a gastro pub, O yes just what we need in Barnes another bloody gastro pub. Well at least it will hopefully drive out the drug dealers from this establishment.
The Sixties Allstars were the only reason to go there. A filthy pub in need of cleaning up. Let's hope the manager and staff are better than the pub down the road,namely the sun inn!!
Anonymous
anonymous - 16 Jul 2003 02:51 |
New landlord does not live up to the former regime. The goose that laid the golden eggs is dead. No bands no normal people expensive beer no friendly staff pretentious pretentious pretentious.
anonymous - 15 Jul 2003 22:17 |
The Red Lion is about to be turned into a restaurant. The end of hundreds of years of history. Thanks Fullers.
anonymous - 7 Apr 2003 13:07 |
What a great night tuesdays when the Allstars are playing
anonymous - 15 Aug 2002 02:01 |
