Red Lion

Reviews

• Smoked out and insulted

  I went to the Red Lion in Kirtling on a recommendation from a friend. We ordered a mixed grill, which turned up on cheap silver platter and a side of vegetables that would not have looked out of place in a school canteen (pre-Jamie Oliver, obviously). The meat was chewy, cheap, and over seasoned with dried herbs and salt. Not the kind of standard you would expect from a restaurant with such a good reputation. I must add that we had to endure this in the sub-zero temperatures associated with drab, uninspiring dining room.So, when the owner decided to turn on the fire, we were quite relieved. However, the wood fire spat out so much smoke, we were all forced to leave the dining room and congregate in the pub, having not finished our meal or even ordered our desert.After waiting for 5 minutes, the smoke had still not died down so we decided to leave. I asked the owner if we had to pay for the entire meal (I did not mention the poor quality of the food, but perhaps should have done) and was told "you ate your food, didnt you?" followed by dismissive mutterings and gesturing disbelief at the other customers and staff. I felt very intimidated and embarrassed at being called out by this man in a room full of people and, as such, paid the full amount and left.NOTE TO ALL: this man was rude, aggressive and thoroughly unprofessional. The food was below average, the dining room was freezing cold, and we still have not received an apology, despite a phone call following the event.Not a TRUSTED PLACE!!!!!

  Murphieka
  Review Date: 09/03/2008 Report review