Red Lion Inn

A gastropub with the usual fair. Although the dining room was mostly empty, it took a long time for us to be seated so we drank in the front, as was expected. I got the steak and my bf got the lamb (dish of the day) and the chocolate cake with ice cream. The dishes were decent but unmemorable. One of the better places in the Woking neighbourhood I suppose.

My husband and I went with two friends for lunch during the Christmas holidays. The place was very busy and we did not have reservations. So, we sat in the bar and had to order our food at the bar. The bar service was not only prompt but the staff were quite aware of whom arrived first and served accordingly. The four of us shared two starters, both were excellent (a meat platter with olives, beetroot humous, artichokes etc and garlic bread) portions were such that we were glad we had not ordered more. One of us had a menu item, sea bream and was very pleased. Two had the lamb special and pronounced it excellent and I had another special which was spicy noodles with seared tuna it was wonderful and the leftovers even better the next day. The food service was prompt and attentive. Next time I will make reservations but can thoroughly recommend it.

The Red Lion in Horsell is run by the chap who started the successful Blubeckers chain. Apparently he decided he wanted to retire and chill out a bit, so he sold up and bought the Red Lion to have a little fun with. He did well: it’s turned from a rather nondescript pub to a smart restaurant and bar that strikes just the right balance between a relaxed pub atmosphere at the front and a good-​quality eatery at the back. You won’t feel under pressure to have dinner if you sit in the bar area, but if you are eating, you should book in advance, as it’s very popular, especially at weekends.
The menu is varied and imaginative and the quality of the food is unsurpassed in Horsell. The bread and olive platters make good starters if you don’t want to fill up too much before your main course. The fish dishes in particular are perfectly cooked, and the puddings are not over-​rich and round off a substantial supper very well. Main courses cost between £10 and £15, so it is not a cheap meal out.
The staff are very pleasant, although occasionally a little distracted (this could be because new staff were training on that evening, though). There’s also a lovely beer garden at the back.