It was a cold Saturday in February and our day started with hanging some light pendants in the kitchen. This turned out to be a messy, dusty job with plaster dust falling over me from the drill right from the get-go. A few arguments ensued and at 12.15, once the job had successfully been finished, I suggested we go out for a break and a spot of lunch. Mrs Wanderer browsed her phone and after a few false starts came up with the Red Lion at Redbourne, a short ten minute drive from us. A quick call confirmed that there was space for lunch.
Redbourne is a lovely Lincolnshire village and the pub stands proudly on the village green. It has its own ‘Fire Station’ museum attached to it. There is a large carpark opposite which had plenty of cars in it – a good sign for the food on offer.
Previous visits have been spoiled by the loudspeakers playing music on the front of the pub which used to rattle the peace-and-quiet of the village. It became evident on entry that the pub is under ‘newer’ hands and the speakers have now gone.
The pub is clean and modern inside and there are plenty of tables to choose from in the bar area as well as a restaurant towards the back. There are plenty of choices of ales and lagers as well as craft beer such as one of my favourites, ‘Neck Oil, a lovely citrusy summer-style beer. The waiting and serving staff are pleasant with a smile on their faces which makes for an enjoyable experience.
We were shown to our table in the far corner underneath a large TV but thankfully the sound was off. The specials on the menu looked lovely, especially the risotto and, if I had the appetite, the ‘Little Baby Cheesus’ which comprised of a number of beef patties in a blue cheese sauce wrapped inside a brioche bun would have hit the spot. Anyhow, we went for the Lite Bites menu instead.
Mrs Wanderer chose the fish goujons with chips, mushy peas and tartare sauce. A mini fish and chips by all accounts. I, in turn, opted for the Southern Fried chicken strips with chips, salad and coleslaw. A glass of Theakston’s Best and a large Shiraz also ordered (we felt we deserved it after the morning’s work).
On arrival we both went “Wow!”. Lite Bites are one thing but this was a substantial meal in its own right. We tucked in. Mrs W said the batter on the fish was exceptionally crispy and not at all soggy as is often the case. My three large chicken strips had a lovely spicy coating and the chips were crispy with no trace of excess oil. The salad was nicely dressed with a French dressing.
At the end we came away from the meal feeling pleasantly stuffed but not overly so.
We have both said that the Red Lion is our ‘go to’ pub now when we need a quick hop out for lunch.
Well worth a visit!
The Willoughton Wanderer 
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