Red Lion Freehouse

Our Inspector's view

Hidden from view down narrow lanes in an idyllic corner of Wiltshire, The Red Lion has retained its pubby element for the locals but also draws foodies from far and wide. If it’s just a drink and a snack you’re after, there’s a range of local beers on tap and carefully selected ciders plus Scotch eggs, kid’s burgers and even doggie treats on the bar. Family-owned and -run since 2008, you can eat in the smartly attired and relaxed dining areas or the tranquil, tree-shaded beer garden behind the thatched pub. The owners rear their own pigs and rescue hens nearby so there’s always a plentiful supply of eggs and good quality pork to supplement the rest of the local ingredients. Start, perhaps, with fish pie packed with chunks of top-notch cod, tiger prawns and topped with sliced quail eggs, or maybe tagliatelle of Fowey mussels and wild prawns with heritage tomatoes and gremolata is more your style. Move on to chargrilled Wiltshire lamb rump with imam bayildi, crisp falafel, courgette and cucumber raita, or there’s tender and pink Creedy Carver duck breast with crisp duck leg pastilla, butternut squash, whole cooked apricots and a rich duck sauce. The high quality cooking and impeccable presentation continues right through to the dessert stage with an intense passionfruit and coriander sorbet, coconut marshmallow, macadamia praline and gooey meringue cubes. Poached apricot millefeuille with vanilla custard and crème fraîche ice cream is another way to finish but if you are looking for a more savoury finale, a board of Baron Bigod, Rachel, Bath Blue and Godminster cheeses with Red Lion chutney and biscuits is just the ticket. And if you find it too tricky plucking dishes from the à la carte, there’s a five-course set menu covering all bases.

Awards, accolades and Welcome Schemes

3 Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence