We’re always excited to find new places to eat locally, so I was really happy to be invited to try out the Winter Menu at The Red Lion pub in Welwyn.
Although we visit Welwyn Garden City regularly (mostly for those all-important John Lewis trips) I’d never heard of The Red Lion. It’s actually situated just outside Welwyn, on the edge of Sherrardspark Woods; we headed there after a spot of Christmas shopping and it only took us around ten minutes from Welwyn Garden City town centre so it’s pretty easy.
The Red Lion Pub and Restaurant
The Red Lion is a beautiful big, country pub which has recently been refurbished. It’s really quite impressive as you drive up. There’s a decent car park at the front and an overflow behind.
You’ll find a bar, restaurant and a lovely outside dining space complete with a fire pit – perfect for a Love Island-style recoupling, if that’s what you’re into!
The pub reopened on 23rd November and the refurbishment has been really well done. General Manager Jennifer told me it was very beige before! Now, the interiors are stylish and plush, without losing the pub’s charm. There are exposed beams and two lovely fireplaces, which give the pub real warmth and and a snug, cosy atmosphere.
The Food
We chose from the Winter Menu, but there is also a Festive Menu if you’re planning a Christmas party or get together.
The seasonal menu offers an impressive choice, including a dedicated children’s menu. There should be something to suit all tastes. Alongside the mains, there are also steaks, burgers (we saw lots of these come out, very popular!) and pizza and salads. There is also a vegan menu.
Check out our starters…yum! I chose Seared Wild Atlantic Scallops with spiced tempura cauliflower, roasted cauliflower purée and micro coriander which were delicious. I love scallops but I don’t think I’ve eaten them since our honeymoon which was years ago! These were small but beautifully cooked and very tasty.
Tom chose the Tempura Oyster Mushrooms, which were lightly battered and came with a soy, lime and ginger dip (which was very tasty by the way). These were really good and the batter was very light – it’s a big portion though and is definitely shareable!
For our mains, we chose roasted salmon fillet with pan-fried samphire, broccoli, baby spinach, confit tomatoes and lemon olive oil, and Panko-breaded chicken milanese topped with a slow-roasted tomato sauce, smoked cheddar and crisp prosciutto, served with rich chicken gravy and skinny fries. Both were delicious, very generous portions, and beautifully presented.
I was actually fairly full by this point but you can’t say no to dessert, can you?! There’s always a little bit of room left!
This is hubby’s Sticky Toffee Pudding, and my choice – The Ambassador’s Melting Chocolate and Hazelnut Bomb – after it melted. Gorgeously rich chocolate and hazelnut ganache with white chocolate sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice-cream. Mmm mmm, just my type of dessert!
Will we go back?
Definitely! The Red Lion is a beautiful country pub with a well-thought out seasonal menu with something to suit everyone. The food is reasonably priced and the portions are really generous – you will not leave hungry, I promise! I’ll definitely take Ethan next time as I think he’ll love it.
Comfortable seating, roaring fires, friendly attentive staff and delicious food and drink…pretty much a perfect way to spend a cold winter’s day.
Thank you so much to the lovely staff at The Red Lion pub for a fab evening, we’re really looking forward to our next visit.
Have you been? Let me know in the comments.
Natalie xx
Disclaimer: Mums Off Duty received a complimentary meal in exchange for an honest review. All words and opinions are my own.