Isle of Wight pub, The Red Lion, is celebrating after winning recognition in the latest round-up of Michelin Guide eateries.
The Red Lion in Freshwater prides itself on offering quality food and drink in a country pub, where the log fire burns peacefully throughout the winter, reflecting heat off the flagstone floor.
Serving pub classics, the Red Lion menu also includes surprises, such as beetroot-cured salmon pastrami, venison and autumn truffle and cod with mussel velouté.
The origins of the pub date back to the 11th Century, next to a picturesque medieval church mentioned in the Domesday survey of 1086 and situated in an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), with countryside around the pub a haven for wildlife, walkers and cyclists.
Head Chef Sean Jeffers was shortlisted as a finalist in the category of Best Pub Chef in the Great British Pub Awards in 2022, commended for the use of high quality locally caught fish, meat and produce from their own vegetable and herb garden, with an emphasis on seasonal menus.
The Michelin Guide compliments The Red Lion for it’s offer:
“It’s not just the open fires and friendly service that makes this such a warm and welcoming pub – the delicious beef fat crumpet and the sticky toffee pudding also help! The traditional building has origins dating back to 11C and sits next to a church, and it has its own garden which supplies some of the produce. There are ‘light’ or ‘large bites’ on offer at lunch, with the kitchen stepping things up a gear in the evenings.”
Mark MacDonald, from The Red Lion at Freshwater, said:
“To gain this recognition from the Michelin Guide as representing high quality food in fantastic surroundings is a recognition of the effort and hard work that the team at The Red Lion put in, day in, day out.
“To feature alongside such brilliant eateries on the Island, and as the only pub, we are very pleased and proud to be in the Michelin Guide and thank the Michelin reviewers and most importantly, all of our customers who continue to dine with us.”
Do they have a savers menu there for the financially challenged?
No. We don’t want those kinds of people coming here thanks.
So a pub gets recognition for hard work and excellence.
Better trash it then.
What is wrong with people?
Tbh.. we ate here this week and were left underwhelmed with the pie & also the fish & chips.. however – The Vine just up the road was absolutely delicious with good sizes and a DELICIOUS beef brisket & ale pie! Much nicer in our opinion! But each to their own!