Red Lion

The village has changed over the last 20 – 30 years and the pub has changed with it. but that’s progress. It can still cater for a large number of people and still has quite a decent range of beers. Once a very clicky pub, it now successfully caters for motorists/​tourists. The pub is situated quite well for trade from the A24 and the Billingshurst Rd.
We still like going there as it holds lots of memories from the old village.
Worth having a look atthe food’s not bad, though you can wait on a busy day.

The Red Lion is a big old pub which has been extensively renovated and modernised; all very pleasant but a bit soulless with little real character. The hard paved garden at the front is comfortable but backs onto the car park and then the main road. The back garden was closed on our visit for Sunday lunch with B’s old chum, the lovely Susie.
Food seems to be the real focus of this place and there is an extensive menu which includes the additional offering of roast platters on a Sunday (a menu the size of war and peace always sets my alarm bells ringing a choice of 5 or 6 dishes is all most kitchens can cope with if it’s being cooked to order). We had taken the precaution of booking a table but despite being fairly busy on this Sunday lunchtime there were still plenty of free tables.
The roast platters seemed to be a popular choice; they looked very appealing if you like a mountain of food. I plumped for the haddock, chips and mushy peas which came with tartare sauce and a small bowl of ketchup .The fish was reasonably fresh and the batter was nice and crisp. However, the chips were not up to scratch at all and would have been better described as roast potatoes. Just about acceptable but not really what you want when you order fish and chips. The ladies both had the fish cakes which came with a salad and a crème fraiche dip on the side. Their verdict was ok but a bit bland and boring.
The beer selection was nothing out of the ordinary but my pint of Sussex was perfectly acceptable.
The other punters were a mixed bag of locals with plenty of big family groups and a few couples.
Not a pub I would go out of my way to visit again, mainly due to the lack of atmosphere and general blandness, and if you are driving I’m sure you can find better nearby. Just about deserves a 3 star rating.

A good selection of really tasty food, nice environment, friendly staff, would recommend — we will be back.