The Red Lion, Betchworth

Have been to the Red Lion a couple of times recently after quite a long absence. What can I say? Never really had atmosphere and always comes across as primarily a food pub rather than a drinkers pub but what's with the landlord and landlady? Once can only assume that they'd both really rather be doing something else as even a slight smile seems to be beyond either of them. Seems to have rubbed off on the (very slow) bar staff too. Can't comment on the food - might be fantastic, but the beer is nothing special .. but again back to the attitiude .. unfathomable. Good hand-dryer in the gents though.

10 May 2010 10:29

The Dolphin, Betchworth

Well I can confirm that Bella and Dolph are not the same person - Bella is my wife, not sure who Dolph is. Bit extreme some of the comments - under the new management things HAVE improved, food in particular and as for the regulars (many of whom are locals), a mixed bag like any pub - impossible for any pub to appeal to everyone, but better as is than it being turned into a characterless sanitized "chain" pub, plenty of those around. Don't understand criticism of the beer either - visit plenty of pubs, know beer and the quality of the bitter is absolutely fine and there are plenty who regularly visit who'd complain if it wasn't.

18 Nov 2009 12:01