Part of our Best Pubs in London microsite. Is your local listed?
The Red Lion's exterior is oh so very inviting, with its bright, could-almost-be-deco exterior, and endless beer garden:
The whole ensemble is guarded by four bright red lions, two of whom have lost an eye in the cause of duty.
Fortunately, this belies a rich, rather beguiling interior, which at once conjures up a stately brown Victorian/Edwardian pub, and bright and breezy gastropub. The kind of decor that works all year-round.
Although, since that last photo, they've given a bit of a modern overhaul, and it now sports a bit more colour:
The pub attracts an odd mix of locals, sporty folk from one of the many nearby pitches, and homeward-bound visitors from the London Wetland Centre, practically over the back fence. Even Jimi Hendrix found his way to the Red Lion, supposedly writing Purple Haze here. All will find a welcoming venue.
As with many pubs in these parts, the Red Lion is owned by Fuller's — which does somewhat limit the beer choice. The Unfiltered London Pride is about as exciting as it gets on tap — or fork out a premium for one of the craft beers in the fridge.
(In the meantime we'll continue to pester Fuller's at every beer festival we attend — telling them the great beers they sell there should be in their pubs too.)
The food menu is excellent, if perhaps a little financially inflated to the local well-heeled clientele. Happily, they also serve a selection of wraps and sandwiches for those seeking a lighter lunch. Look out for the old menu on the wall, taunting you with the days you could get a steak for one shilling:
In the summer months, the garden's popular with drinkers, dogs and rampant children — although we still managed to find a seat on a clement Saturday afternoon. The back garden area, much like the interior, has smartened up since the photo below, and now contains an awning-covered dining area, as well as a shed labelled 'First Class Toilets'.
About a minute's walk from Barnes' major attraction — the London Wetland Centre — this pub is a lovely little spot for lunch before or after.
