The Red Lion Betchworth.

The Red Lion at Betchworth can be dated back to around 1730. Set in the Surrey countryside near the River Mole, it has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. When using the back entrance from the car park, do stop and look at the very old wisteria growing here.

Legend has it it is 230 years old, I don’t know whether to believe that or not! But, judging by the size of the trunk, it is, to be sure, extremely old! Little touches like this and it’s the overall sense of age and location, are why the Red Lion Betchworth makes it onto my Historic Pubs of Surrey list!

Key Points

As usual on these reviews, we were not paid to do it, we paid for our own food and drink out of our own pockets and the staff had no idea we were reviewing! Therefore, I feel our review is exactly as you would experience when visiting the pub!

As can be seen above, the wisteria is indeed old and some were still in bloom on my last visit. The eagle-eyed will have spotted the dog bowls, which lets you know that dogs are welcome in the garden. The look of the building is classic Surrey 18th Century. My own house, built at within five years of it, is a close in its architectural style! Also, the garden is well maintained and has that quintessential ‘country pub’ feel to it. 

There is even a cricket pitch behind the pub and in summer you can enjoy a pint and watch the cricket. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best country pub gardens in Surrey.

Can there be anything more English than the sights and sounds of Cricket on a summers day? Don’t ask me what the rules are, I was never a cricket player. However, the aim seems to be to hit the ball with the bat. Also, there is a lot of standing around. Undoubtedly, they all took it very seriously. Incidentally, the Red Lion Betchworth has a 4 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor.

Inside the Red Lion

Inside has a cosy feel to it, with exposed beams and higher ceilings than you would expect! No chance of cracking your head! On our visit, the staff at the Red Lion Betchworth were attentive to our needs, polite and efficient. The manager Dave made us feel very welcome. He had a good work ethic and, consequently, nothing seemed to be too much trouble!

Food At the Red Lion Betchworth

Mmmm! I have a thing for soft and tender meat. And the beef cheeks didn’t disappoint! Also, the parsnip shavings made a satisfying crackle. Food is as much about senses as well as the taste for me.

Lunches are good too! The last time I lunched there I had the pork, apple and sage burger with which I paired a glass of the Shiraz.

Wine – the Red Lion at Betchworth

As can be seen below, the Red Lion at Betchworth wine list has something for everyone. I went for the Malbec last time I had dinner there and two glasses went down very nicely!

Conclusions

All the pubs on my list below are where I choose to visit and, of course, not some paid revues as a lot are. This where I choose to spend my money when I’m passing this way. To be sure, the Garden here overlooking the cricket pitch is an absolute joy in the summer. And, with great food too, the Red Lion at Betchworth is worth a visit any time of the year. The WiFi was free to use and more than adequate for my needs.

Click on the map for directions to the Red Lion at Betchworth

Booking.com

 

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