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Hours
Sun
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Tue
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm5:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Wed
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm5:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Thu
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm5:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Fri
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm5:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Sat
12:00 pm - 11:00 pm
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CUISINES
Bar, British, Pub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
features
Does this restaurant offer highchairs for toddlers?
Details
About
Beautiful 300 year old dining pub serving freshly prepared food from locally sourced ingredients. Large car park and dog friendly.
CUISINES
Bar, British, Pub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Dog Friendly, Family style
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4.0
260 reviews
Excellent
146
Very good
54
Average
20
Poor
13
Terrible
27
Vacation03214033822
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • couples
Thank you.
We came for our anniversary meal tonight and had such a lovely evening.
The food, atmosphere and staff were faultless.
Starters were tasty, prawns large and succulent.
Hard to choose a main as a great variety.... decided on the Thali, it was amazing, in presentation and taste!
Husband had the steak, mushroom and ale pie, highly recommends, seasoning great and beef was really tender.
Thank you to the chef for acknowledging our anniversary with the additional touches too.....heart shaped flat breads and heart pastry topping on the pie, really thoughtful.
The staff were so attentive and friendly.
We look forward to returning.
Written 28 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Isabelle T
17 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
Visited here at the end of August and had a great experience! I was quite shocked to read some of the recent reviews on here as this was not my experience at all - in fact, the landlady was very friendly and welcoming, pausing to chat with our table and other guests, and made sure to check on us during service. The food was absolutely delicious - I had the Phad Thai which was very authentic and tasty and the portion size was huge. My family had the steak and ale pie and the swordfish niçoise salad which they both said was equally as good.
I would definitely recommend The Red Lion to anyone in the Suffolk/ Essex surrounding area and I will also be returning!
Written 30 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Belltowers
Chorley97 contributions
July 2024 • family
We visited the restaurant whilst on holiday in the area, visited with my husband and sons (18 and 11).
The whole experience was lovely from start to finish, our server Elsa was happy and attentive, helping my youngest son with his decision of what to eat and the food was fabulous. I chose the bream which was served with crushed potatoes and was delightful, one of those meals you eat slowly as you don't want it to end. My husband chose the pulled pork burger and both sons enjoyed the beef burgers - which were huge!
The food was served fresh and hot and enjoyed by all. Desserts were equally nice, the Eton mess in particular was lovely, too much for me to finish but my husband helped!
All in all a lovely couple of hours, if we were ever in the area again we would certainly return and recommend to anybody to give this lovely pub/restaurant a try.
Written 25 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steph
Haverhill6 contributions
July 2024 • friends
We selected this pub for a night out with friends based on reputation and location. We had a pleasant time having pre-drinks outside prior to our table being ready (booked for 7pm). The landlady came to get us at 7.05 and we were seated in pleasant surroundings.
Unfortunately it was less satisfactory from here. One of our party requested an allergen log but was told they did not have one.
Of the two starters ordered, one had a hair in it. The dish was removed and a free drink offered.
Unfortunately the same member of our party found another different hair in her main course amongst her salad. Whilst this is dissatisfactory, I am still shocked by the landlady’s response now.
She approached our table and requested to take the lady who had found the hair aside for a private conversation and essentially went on to imply that it was her hair that had fallen out of her hair and underneath her dinner. She said her chef has a shaved head, that in her XX number of years in the industry she had never had a hair reported in her food. She kept asking my friend to come with her to examine the hair and at no point acknowledged responsibility or apologised.
The bill was then presented to us without asking if we wanted further drinks or dessert (basically they wanted us to leave). When they eventually approached us to take payment they said they thought it was best if we find ‘somewhere else to drink’.
I am not sure I have ever received such terrible customer service from this type of establishment and I will be very careful to want to all of my local friends not to bother. This was a humiliating experience I would not wish on anyone.
Written 13 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandra L
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • friends
First time at the pub went with friends arrived at 7.30pm , food was rushed and the service, hadn't finished our starter and were told our mains were ready. We had just finished our sweet and were told we would have to leave by 10pm it was 9.40pm, as they were closing, not offered more drinks or coffee, then the bill arrived, very rude. Will not return and will pass this onto our friends.
Written 14 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hayley B
8 contributions
Sept 2024 • family
Visited on a beautiful sunny Sunday for drinks. The pub is very quaint and food is good (from previous experience) but that is where the positivity ends.
We were told on ordering our drinks at 3:35 that this was last orders and they closed at 4 despite all online literature saying 5pm. Not too much of an issue in insolation really - these things happen.
My husband returned to the bar for crisps to overhear the land lady complaining that she couldn't get closed up to enjoy the sunshine as people kept coming to the bar. We all have a moan now and again about work but maybe this should be done in private rather than in front of the customers who are here to support your business?
Then it went downhill. Whilst there I potentially lost an important item but didn't realise until the next day. So on Tuesday when passing I popped in to see if it had been handed in as this was the last time I knew I had it. The pub looked open from the front - all signs out and the beer garden door was unlocked. On opening it was dark inside so I just popped my head round the door and called out 'Hello'. After another 'hello' the landlady stuck her head around a corner and my interaction went as follows:
Me: Hi I'm so sorry to interrupt but I was here Sund....
Her: We are closed (very abrupt and rude)
Me: Oh I'm sorry the door was unlocked can I just ask if....
Her: NO we are closed you have to leave. I am just a chef here I don't know anything. Leave now.
Me: Umm ok I just
Her: GO AWAY
Me: OK, do you have a number I can call about lost property, its just it is a very important key
Her: Find it online now you need to leave. Get off the property!!
Me: There is absolutely no need to be so rude, don't worry I will take my business elsewhere
I am still pretty shocked at being spoken too with such unprovoked rudeness. I did not just barge into the pub - I popped my head round the door to ask a question. I apologized as I hadn't quite realized they were closed as you can't really see in through the door. Also to barefaced lie and tell me she was just a chef? Having been a few times I very well know she is the land lady. It's ok if you can't help me but just be polite or at the very least civil. Absolutely disgusted and certainly will not be back. So disappointing as the pub used to be so welcoming a few years ago, we used to go a lot. Local businesses need all the support they can get right now so why on earth would you treat people like this?
Written 4 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen M
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • family
I took my family for my daughter’s birthday lunch, we had mackerel pate & toast & a selection of roast dinners. The toast was burnt & like charcoal, we asked for replacement toast, but the taste of charcoal was hard to get rid of. The burnt toast had been placed burnt side down to hide it.
The roast meals had soggy roast potatoes, parsnips & carrots, absolutely disgusting. We waited 30mins to have the plates taken away, we had to ask for the table to be cleared. The waitress came a started to the plates & cutlery away, she dropped a knife twice on to my son in law splashing gravy all over his clothes. The knife narrowly missed my 2year old granddaughter, Twice!!!
I can honestly say that the whole experience was awful & the food was awful!!!
Written 18 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teresa D
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • family
Went for dinner with family, against their wishes,as said the Landlady is incredibly rude.They were not wrong.Asked if could have potatoes instead of chips, a quick and sharp "NO"asked why,really gave no answer,just bad attitude. Almost took Mum in her Wheelchair to have a lunchtime drink,she had Whiskey and gingerale, (she also had this when we were there for dinner), went yesterday lunchtime only to be told ,they don't and have never served Gingerale. To which I replied, "we had it twice last week".
The Landlady became SO RUDE and SNARKY,told me I was rude,of course I told her she was rude,she then suggested "maybe we should find somewhere else to go".In all my years of traveling globally, never have I encountered such a vile,rude and snarky Landlady..She has no business running a Public Inn!! I'm surprised she has any business. The staff are all very young adults, a older adult would tell her where to go..The food served is good,I can't fault that,but just as good somewhere else without the the foul attitude..
If you want a pleasant experience, do not visit this establishment..I recommend AVOIDING this Pub.
Written 30 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deborah G
Ashill3 contributions
Oct 2022 • family
Went here today for a family Sunday lunch (4 adults, 1 child). The adults ordered roast beef dinners and the child had pulled pork in a bap and fries. One of the party asked for the Savoy cabbage to be removed but was told they were busy so couldn't remove it from the plate!! The roast dinners arrived very quickly, we were told the plates were hot but they were all cold, which meant our food would get cold quickly. When it arrived it looked like it had been reheated; Yorkshire puddings were flat and overcooked, beef was incredibly fatty, roast potatoes were soggy, parsnips were undercooked. We asked for mustard and French mustard (which they didn't have), a jar of mustard was just dumped on the table, where another table had it brought on a saucer with a spoon. The child's meal; the pulled pork bap was very soggy and not enjoyable. We have had several enjoyable meals at this restaurant and this was one of the worse, so we will not be going back anytime soon.
Written 30 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
curtis j
Colchester26 contributions
Sept 2022 • couples
Recently moved to area so trying out local establishments. We received a warm welcome from waitress who showed us to our table without booking, restaurant area was relatively busy but not crowded, very attentive waitress who checked on us regularly during meal.
Starters were tasty, we had the leek and cheese croquettes.
Leek and cheese… always a good combination!
For mains I had the sirloin steak, cooked medium which was cooked really well, shame about the fries, at £25 for a steak I would expect thick cut chips maybe some ‘on the vine’ cherry tomatoes and a whole mushroom… (why give only half??) and 3 tiny onion rings.
My partner had the rump beef burger and said it was good.
For desert we both had sticky toffee pudding which wasn’t sticky it was just a square of dry warm sponge with a toffee sauce squirted over.
Tipped staff for great service but had better food at Wetherspoons at more than half the price.
Wouldn’t return for food unless prices decreased or quality increased.
Written 24 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda P
6 contributions
Jan 2024 • friends
We usually arrive muddy after a walk in need of a lunch and a drink, we are always met with such friendly smiles and are made to feel very welcome. This time we got dressed up and went out for the evening. The same amazing service greeted us. The landlady is so friendly and kind,nothing is too much trouble. The food is always great and they add a personal touch for special occasions. No visit is complete without a little time with Nora too! Always a pleasure to visit!
Written 7 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard M
Halstead14 contributions
July 2022 • none
I visited this establishment yesterday for lunch with three others and, on the whole, had a lovely meal. I was, however, disappointed with one aspect. The burger (which was very good) is served with fries. Four other meals on the menu are served with chips. When I asked whether I could have chips instead of fries with my burger the waitress was unsure and said she would ask the chef. She promptly returned and told me that the chef said this was not possible. I found this bizarre as no extra effort would have been involved. I would be grateful for a comment on this.
Furthermore, and this is something to be wary of, on checking my receipt this morning I have discovered that I was charged 50p extra for each dessert over and above the price shown on the menu. If prices have been increased I think I should at least have been told about this.
I would, therefore, urge anyone to check their bills thoroughly before paying!
Written 16 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terry R
3 contributions
Aug 2024 • friends
Nice atmosphere, greeted promptly and seated at our table. The waiter and waitresses were attentive but didn't fuss. Food was really nice, started with hot and prompt starters, followed by some lovely tasty mains. Desserts were really nice, thoroughly good night with some good friends at a nice venue.
Written 24 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Benjamin C
2 contributions
July 2024 • family
Avoid this pub at all costs. In general it is a lovely pub with good food and drink selection… however, this pub randomly closes and ignores its opening times. I arrived at 2:00pm on a hot lovely sunny Sunday to find out that it closed shortly after, despite saying on the website that it closed at 5:00pm. People were turning up and getting declined, to the point where the landlord just locked the doors to avoid any new customers while existing customers were still sat in the beer garden. Awful service all around. If it had proper management, who cared about the local community, then I would give this pub more than 1 star. After talking to a few other people who got turned away, it turns out that the locals now refuse to go here due to management. An unfortunate situation as it’s a lovely pub but with awful management.
Written 28 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan D
25 contributions
Dec 2024 • family
We had a fairly good dinner but unfortunately my apple caramel pie was heated in microwave so a soggy mess ☹️ common knowledge that if to microwave pastry it will go back to its raw state. I had to return it. What a shame it wasn’t popped in oven for a few minutes. The pub was not that busy early in the evening.
We had a child with us who wanted a cracker but was told no they are for Christmas menu only. One child only in pub. This was Christmas Eve. Yes really!
BAH HUMBUG. We use this pub frequently as a couple but we were a bit miffed.
We still left a tip as it was Christmas.
Written 7 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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