A very friendly lion in the heart of Warwickshire! (The Red Lion at Claverdon)

Member Name: sweetpea01

Product:	The Red Lion at Claverdon
Date:	29/06/09 (74 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great food & atmosphere

Disadvantages: Parking

It suddenly dawned on me the other day that Mr Sweetpea and I had not gone out for a meal in quite some considerable time. Now don't get me wrong we never used to go out every night but to spend a few hours together having some nice food, nice bottle of wine was a treat for us. Especially as we both work long hours. On my way to work I noticed a sign in the village about an offer of 3 main courses for £14.00 which I thought was a great price so I booked a table for two!

*~*~* The Pub *~*~*

The Red Lion is situated in a Warwickshire village called Claverdon which is just about 5 minutes off the A3400 (Stratford Road) from Henley In Arden. It is a privately owned pub and the owners also own a local pub called The Cross at Kenilworth. In the last 6 months it has been closed and re-furbished for a more rustic/ modern look.

It is quite a small pub with only one entrance and one large bar which is to the back of the pub. The seating is a mis match of modern type chairs with big wooden rustic tables. The lighting is dimly light to create a warm and cost atmosphere. In the centre of the pub there is a huge log burning fire which is on from October-March. The flooring is stone which is a warm terracota type colour and the walls are painted in shades of cream.

There is a lovely garden area where you can drink and dine. You have lovely views of the Claverdon countryside. However the garden area closes at 11pm so you will need to vacate at that time. There is parking to the left hand side of the pub but it is limited so arriving at a later time you could struggle to park on the gravelled area.

It was also voted the Best Gastropub winner back in 2006 by Metro Food & Drink Awards and that was before its re-vamp!!

*~*~* The Menu *~*~*

Now for the 3 Courses for £14.00 you have a smaller menu which is basically about four dishes each from the starters, main and dessert and they are taken off the main menu. Now this isn't your average pub grub! The chef at The Red Lion is highly skilled so you won't just be getting sausage and mash!

Examples of the dishes:-

Starter - Smooth chicken liver parfait, red onion marmalade & toasted brioche - £5.95
Seafood fishcake, oriental slaw and orange salad - £6.95

Main - Homemade 7oz burger, sweet pepper relish & home cut chips - £9.95
Lamb Hash, potato rosti, minted peas & red wine jus - £12.95

Dessert - A selection of sorbets such as Lemon and Pear
Steamed sticky toffee pudding and hot custard

All food is cooked fresh and with local ingredients where possible which is great as Warwickshire has some of the best meat and fresh vegetables available generally all year. Fortunately you don't have to wait what seems like hours to actually eat! I think for our starter we waited 20 minutes and then another 15-20 minutes for our main course which was perfect timing as you want your food to actually settle.

The menu is full of wholesome food where they were once quite traditional dishes the chef has now created modern takes on the dishes creating incredibly visual appealing dishes but best of all they taste absolutely fantastic.

There are always specials on the board and there will be specials for starters (generally soup of the day), main and dessert. Dishes are reasonably priced and there is nothing on the menu which is over £21.00 and that is for the steak as a main. As a couple we spent £45.00 and that was the 3 course special menu at £14.00 each and a bottle of wine which I thought was incredibly good value.

*~*~* Beverages *~*~*

The Red Lion has an extensive wine list which has been carefully chosen and hand picked by the owners. Most of the wine is available by the bottle only and a few have been selected as being available by the glass.

Obviously you are able to have soft drinks such as coke, diet coke, orange juice, apple juice etc. These are always readily available. And because this is now an up and coming modern pub there is a wide selection of beer and lagers together with local and national ciders. There is really something for everyones tastes.

*~*~* The Staff *~*~*

Alot of the pubs in and around Warwickshire have staff from abroad. This is the perfect way for themto earn some extra money and then to go on travelling. Staff at the Red Lion tend to be from South Africa and Australia and I personally think they are fab! They tend to stay around for a year or so and they really have great enthusiasm. They are always friendly, warming and attentive and will gladly cater for your every need. There is no sign of rudeness and they always have a smile on their face which makes a great change!

*~*~* Opening Hours *~*~*

Monday-Saturday 12.00-11.00pm
Sunday 12.00-10.30pm

Food served
Monday-Saturday 12-00-2.30pm (last orders)
6.00-9.30pm (last orders)
Sunday 12.00-5.00pm (last orders)

*~*~* Pub Details *~*~*

Claverdon Station Road, Claverdon, Warwickshire CV5 8PE

Reservations Tel: 01926 842 291

Email: enquiries@redlionatclaverdon.co.uk

Website: www.thecrossatkenilworth.co.uk/redlion

*~*~* My Overall Opinion *~*~*

I have eaten several times at the Red Lion before and after it's re-vamp. I have always had a great meal here and I have never been left disappointed at all. I'm always wary about going to a restaurant and end up being disappointed but this is never the case here. They always create wonderful food, the pub always has a warm ambience and the staff are incredibly welcoming which is everything I look for in a great pub!

Unfortunately I cannot comment as to whether this is a child friendly pub as I don't have children and the evening we dined there weren't any children. But I cannot forsee there would be any problems with children eating there. But I would ring to double check in advance.

Summary: A great place for a rustic but modern meal!