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. read more