A classic country pub in the heart of Chester, an 18th Century map traces the origins of The Red Lion, suggesting its establishment as far back as 1737, although it was then known as "The Red Lyon." The restaurant’s serene history was briefly disrupted in the autumn of 1845 when the inn witnessed a skirmish between disgruntled Irish and English farm labourers. In recent years, The Red Lion has proudly earned Gold Awards at the Chester Food and Drink Festival Awards in 2007 and 2008.
As part of the Vintage Inn family, The Red Lion is well known for its inviting atmosphere and offering of classic pub style food. From Monday to Saturday, customers can dine out with the all-day menu, from hunter's chicken schnitzel and smoked haddock kedgeree fish cakes, to a tender duo of lamb and seared fillet of sea bass. You'll want to save room for dessert, with classics like apple, blackcurrant and cherry crumble and vanilla crème brulée on the menu. For something truly indulgent, there's the milk chocolate honey pot, filled with a chocolate mousse, smooth honey and crunchy honeycomb and a buttery biscuit.
Don’t miss the opportunity to make the most of the fixed price lunch menu, which offers a choice of two or three courses from Monday through to Thursday, between 12 and 5pm. Maybe you'll start with the duck and orange parfait on sourdough toast, before moving on to the lamb shepherd's pie, and finishing off with a double chocolate brownie and honeycomb ice cream.
The cosy bar section, complete with a crackling log fire, has a generous selection of local hand-pulled ales and ciders, signature seasonal cocktails, a good wine list and plenty of British gins. If you pay The Red Lion a visit on a summer’s day, you may choose to dine al fresco in the gardens.