The Red Lion dates from medieval times and has long been one of my favourite spots for enjoying a beer whilst sitting by an open fire. On this occasion, I dropped in for an enjoyable lunch after a morning walk through the nearby hills, hangers...and lanes. Despite its long history, the Red Lion also functions well as a modern dining pub with a varied menu and comfortable ambience. I look forward to my next visit.More

This is an ideal pub to park up, have a countryside walk and then finish with a decent lunch/dinner. Plenty of parking and outdoor seating if the weather is good.

We came twice in three days when staying in W Marsden recently because the food was very tasty, the staff were welcoming and friendly, the chef was happy to make adjustments to dishes to suit our children's fussy palates and split an adult meal between...the two of them and they were strict on the COVID procedures. The oven roasted cod was delicious, as were the seasonal veg. My husband had a delicious veggie roast and totally cleaned his plate. Portion sizes were very generous. Good selection of ales and a really nice atmosphere.More

We arrived for a very late lunch at this remarkably impressive and historic thatched pub; the lady we spoke to was very flexible when we phoned to say we would be delayed, and both she and the other waitress we met were positive and helpful....Despite the weather being fairly cool and showery we determinedly sat in the outdoor area, which has a substantial brick-built shelter as well as an extensive garden with lovely views. My husband had a duck leg with cassoulet and I had scampi and chips; the scampi was definitely a cut above the usual offering. We then had lemon meringue pie 'to share', though I wouldn't have said it was a sharing plate exactly – two slices of lemon meringue with raspberry sorbet and pistachio crumb. Perhaps the presentation has been adjusted for COVID; certainly there were plenty of COVID precautions in place, which was reassuring. We look forward to returning.More

Sadly the days of this old thatched locals pub where gnarled rustics smoked their clay pipes and supped ales brewed by Gales at nearby Horndean are long gone (I can just about remember then). Now a Fullers dining pub but the exterior remains the same...with nice flower baskets and the interior is still pleasant with different areas as well as the main dining area. We visited on a busy Sunday lunch time and the place was well staffed with friendly servers and the good news you could order via the staff no need for complicated app or similar. Good covid measures in place. I am not a great fan of chain pubs but the food was generally good, some more interesting menu items for mains and a fair choice of drinks. Not overly priced. There was quite await for coffees which were delivered with apologies but as mentioned it was busy. The Sunday roasts are definitely good value. You do get options as to service charge and donation to charity on the card machine so a point is awarded by not having my dislike, the "optional" service charge incorporated when the bill is presented. I gather the toilets are clean and well presented. Overall much better food experience than I envisaged. Unfortunately the ancient front exterior was obstructed by customers who could not be bothered to use the car park for their vehicles so I was denied a good photo of ye olde English pubbe. Nice garden area with good downland views.More

We have been regulars at the Red Lion for many years, often popping in for drinks during or after a bike ride or dog walk. In this time, we have found that the food can be a little up and down depending on how busy...it has been. This seems to be a similar issue with the other Fullers pubs in the area (though as we go fairly often, we are bound to catch the off off day). Since lockdown ended we have been venturing back out and found the Fullers pub menu to be a bit limited. On this occasion though, the Red Lion seems to have a full menu running (with specials) and we had the best steak pie meal we have had for years. We had a chat to the chef who explained that they are all home made, rather than bought in as per other Fullers places. The great meal, combined with the lovely setting of the 'old bar' makes this our firm favourite pub destination. Staff didn't have masks on but this has only changed since our visit and track and trace was used - we tried to use the app but gave up, so this was done on paper.... so no real concerns about this. In all honesty, if you are going to go and eat out in a pub, you have to accept a certain amount of risk...?More

Just back from a very pleasant visit to The Red Lion. Beautiful thatched pub with a roaring fire and a friendly welcome. Most impressive of all was the Covid regulations being enforced so well - socially distanced tables, sanitiser all over the pub, staff wiping...down surfaces regularly and a clear and well marked out one way system. Felt safe and secure in these crazy times - it’s all a bit weird still obviously - but they’re doing it brilliantly and I’ll be back - oh and the food smelt delicious!More