The Old Red Lion in Harborough - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Came with a group, all travelled from various locations afar to meet for birthday meal. Firstly the Booking was taken incorrectly so didn’t have table ready but was no bother and they sorted it - wasn’t busy. No one serves your table and doesn’t man the restaurant bar so you have to go to the pub bar to order and pay- which we wasn’t told. Waiter brings out food gradually in a strange order so some didn’t get all of their meal at the same time. Waiter incorrectly names the steaks so my son started saucing and eating the wrong steak until we realised- waiter didn’t try to correct this and shrugged it off- he really could do with speaking louder too as we had to keep asking what he’d announced. Mac & cheese burger was good, sirloin steaks very good but the rumps were so very overcooked -we had to complain. Waiter said he’d bring the chef out to look. He didn’t. After 5 mins or so we were told the chefs too busy he would get management which he didn’t. So When I asked at the bar he came out straight away and insisted on replacing it- when they did they were perfectly cooked! And delicious. Replaced entire meal! Also then supplied free drinks and puddings! I’m not sure why it didn’t come out at the quality first time- such a shame as was good then. Again though, puddings came out very staggered and some incorrect and had to ask for cutlery. I think the kitchen staff could do with some more training. Management very friendly. Restaurant atmosphere not great, no staff to check on you or serve in between meals, toilets not the best, a little dated. Nice view though outside. Wouldn’t necessarily drive that far out again but would visit again if passing. Everything rectified without fuss in the end but this shouldn’t really happen. Picture is the mighty man mixed grill- chips came on a separate plate (egg too once requested for it)

Been going back here since Christmas, the place had a period of very hit n miss for the past few years, but since the new manager Mark has taken over things have dramatically improved. The food has always been well cooked, very tasty and good sized portions. The staff are very friendly and welcoming too. Keep up the good work. Food is 2 dishes from the £of The staff are really great, very friendly and talkative and always welcoming with a smile. Update 31/8/24. Mark the manager resigned, and the atmosphere in the pub has changed. No friendly smile or greeting when you walk in like we used to get. Waited over an hour for food and it wasn't overly busy. Food was still good though. But the pub has definitely lost its spark.

DO NOT VISIT THIS PUB!!! I came in this afternoon for some lunch, as to which I was greeted by an ignorant staff member with bright red hair who seemed to be more interested in her phone and the male staff rather than her customers. I tried to get her attention to order however all I got as a response was a grunt, there were no manners used at all and quite frankly her customer service was diabolical this is my second time visiting and I will not be returning if that is how I am treated, in any establishment it gives off a bad image if staff are just stood there on their phones doing nothing 2/10 experience.

Really nice pub, great menu, friendly staff. Good size portions and 25% off on weds. Unfortunately long wait for food and mixed grill was cooked to within 1 min of its life! 1 of 3 meals not good but others were fine. Would return to try again though

My son took me and my partner here for my partner's birthday as we'd been before and it was lovely, the staff are very welcoming, friendly and polite however the food was so bad we ended up in McDonald's. Me and my son had steak that both came under cooked, my son's came blue, he ordered medium rare. The chips where so under cooked somewhere raw. my partner had chicken that wasn't cooked in the middle we had to send food back it was so bad. In the end we decided to give up and go to McDonald's very disappointed. As I said we've been before with no issues at all. The atmosphere and service has always been good and the food was fantastic previously so I don't know if they have a new cook or they were just having a bad day. Hopefully this is not the new standard.

Always great service, and the steak and a bottle of wine offer is amazing! Some of the best steak I've eaten.

Yes I did go there with my friends

Lovely meals good service all in all a lovely evening

Used to love this place. Ordered steak and chips. Steak was passable but the chips were inedible.

The food was good, although I remember it being much better quality, this was 5+ years ago however. Prices were standard for a pub out of the way. Pub interior and exterior looks dated and rundown too, a lick of paint would go a long way.

Medium scores due to not being able to cope with big orders and the food came out at a bit at the time. Kids food came out last which I thought was poor service.

I've been going to this pub for over 30 years. Today was the worst I have ever known it. After ordering, we were told that it was a 50 minute wait for food. OK, as its Father's Day, this was to be expected, and there's no blame attached for that. What I find hard to accept is that after 1hr 40 mins, we were still waiting. Both my wife's and my steak were overcooked. Medium, instead of medium rare. Our daughters pizza was just awful, with a hard base and not much taste. Our friends order was incorrect as well. Sadly, after much business over the years, I will not be returning.

Reasonable food at a reasonable price .

Wow just had fish , chips and mushy peas, absolutely beautiful, cooked perfectly , can’t believe how nice it was . Highly recommend , thanks so much Linda !

Great place for steak, highly recommended 👌

Just back from the pub, used to such a lovely place to go. I had king Henry 8th steak, usually so very good, today was awful. Steak was meant to be medium rare and first part of Steak was OK second part was so tough and was like leather! Not usually one to complain but paid good money for the Steak, so decided to have a quiet word, manageress came out offered to cook a bit longer, no offer of a new Steak, threw in a few extra chips and a complimentary sauce which I accepted. Food finally came out again no change whatsoever Steak was worse than before. Complained again to the bar man who even admitted wouldn't of made a difference cooking it for longer, in the end took it home for dog. Its safe to say I won't be returning!!!

What a fabulous place. One place that we haven’t visited as a family in a number of years! Was like we had visited yesterday! Under new management (different from when we last visited) but made to feel welcome! The table we booked at short notice was available for us, and we did descend earlier than stated! They had a busy night in, due to a murder mystery evening, BUT that didn’t stop the brilliant food and service. Steaks were ordered with various cooking options had, this wasn’t any trouble for them and the food was presented well cooked and fresh! An old country pub that does amazing food and has kept that country feel to it! Would not hesitate in going back and will not be leaving it as long next time! Well done guys!!!!

lovely meal at the red lion 20/4/24 sam the bar keep really friendly as well made you feel welcome 5🌟

Steak was best one we've had in along time.

This is a lovely, cozy traditional pub. The food is good and great value for money. They have an excellent selection on the menu, with something for everyone. We often take our grandsons there for lunch, because the kids meals are such a good price and we're always made to feel welcome by the friendly staff.

Cozy place with amazing Irish Coffee

Definitely worth a visit, excellent food & large portions

Lovely food!!! 5stars all day long!

Chips taste like reheated but no one else was in the pub will try it again

Open fire. Friendly. Massive steaks (and I mean massive). Beer £3 for a pint of pedigree! (Its £2.40 in the supermarket)! What's not to like? Yer it's a chain, King Henry inns or something put who cares!

Horrible food and service Very bad,

Wot a gem really friendly staff and fantastic food will definitely be back *****

Nice friendly staff great staff and service

Lovely warm fire and a cold and wet day. Great value 2 dishes and a bottle of wine for £23.99.

Been several times enjoy the food here.

Great welcome. Great steak and cheap as chips. Dogs welcome and wonderful friendly staff. Dogs even get welcomed with sausages!! My go to place for a chilled afternoon wirh the puppies log fire. Cracking place

Amazing place food well what can I say don’t expect small portions they are big not complaining ha ha ha first country pub that is extremely clean staff amazing They all cater for people in wheel chairs like myself only thing would ask if they could get a ramp at the main entrance for disable people high step when in wheel chair just have to mention one guy who was on Eletric bike with orange water jacket such a lovely man nothing was to much trouble for him to help me not sure if he worked there or a customer. Hope to see him again see that just shows everyone this place is a must lovely country place Only have to say could the chef cut back on portions lol lol Mind I’m a ex chef so I understand him Thank you to all the staff and if the staff can say massive thank you to the guy who help me bless Keep warm safe happy. And massive thank you see you all soon Love Maria xxxx

Have been here several times recently with family , and has always lived up to our expectations , thank you for a lovely meal , and hospitality , look forward to coming back soon . The bistro steak was good value for money on the deal two for £23.99 plus a bottle of wine . Will be back soon .

Brilliant place great food and lovely staff would definitely recommend

Christmas meal don’t waste you money food cold,and service very poor and quality off food is terrible……..

Myself and the family have just experienced the worst christmas dinner we have ever encountered, the Red lion Pub has hosted our last 3 christmas dinners and unfortunately has not gotten better over the years. This year in particular, the service was unbelievably slow , dinner not only missing items but many meals sent back due to the temperature lacking heat and over cooked food the common factor of bad dinner service was repeated throughout the pub with different tables experiencing the same issues myself and the family experienced. We choose to go out and enjoy a lovely christmas dinner out where we pay for the privilege of enjoying a nice meal out and spending time together as a family enjoying a few laughs and treasuring the time together, this year however myself and the family never wanted to leave a place so quickly . When communicating our issues to the red lion team the attitude we received had no care as well as no sense of rush to rectify any issue or sense of compassion. When speaking to the Manager he had no clear management thought process as had to clear it with his mum the head chef which led to him standing there whilst the head cook tried to resolve the issue, we were expecting an additional family member to the table however due to unforeseen circumstances the person could not arrive we notified the team 3 weeks prior to the evening yet every course when finally arrived after an hour each course the team would bring the additional persons meal out which we then had to repeatedly remind them the person was not here which was rather unprofessional. This whole experience has been a nightmare which has led to a terrible christmas family dinner, This is a shame due to the fact that we enjoy the pubs dinner on any other occasion. I cannot stress my unhappiness enough in regards to the dinner experience received tonight and hope the many complaints the Red lion pub will receive tonight changes their service for the future.

Good service but it needs a face lift inside

Never in my life have I experienced a chef refusing to change an order that they got wrong (the message from the chef was I’m not changing it) how un professional was that!!! No customer communication at all !! Definitely will not be eating there again!! Tired mannerisms and awful food !!

Lovely place, good food, excellent service, and the open fire 🔥 makes for a lovely warm welcome. We have been there a few times.

Nice meal and dog friendly aswell friendly staff aswell will definitely return

We are been coming to your pub for food for over 20 years always been lovely food and great service but last night 8th December 2023 we visited has a family for a birthday meal well it was the worst we ordered 2 mix grill one medium well and one medium rare and a rump steak medium well all 3 come out very well done most of the meats was burnt and black and dry. We put it down to chef being busy but then the deserts couldn’t even come out right I ordered a sticky toffee pudding. My husband ordered apple pie with cold custard. My husbands custard come out hot, and my sticky toffee pudding was cold hard, and still had ice in the middle this is the worst experience I’ve ever had in the red line at Welham. Shocking, really considering I took my husband out for his birthday.and there was 8 of us and 4 meals was burnt up and it cost me £180

Lovely people and excellent food yummy

Our first time here, Were was greeted with a warm welcome. There were 2 staff down, but still, there wasn't much of a wait.and when the food arrived, it was worth the wait stake cooked just how I like it great staff overall a great place to come well-done to all the staff Me and my wife will be back again

So sad to see the decline of the The Old Red Lion. The starters uncooked had to be sent back to the kitchen's. The steaks would have ok if they had not served cold. Service so bad it was comical. Having frequented the Old Red Lion for many year, last in September. It's to believe how it could of gone down hill so quickly. Will not be returning.

In the 15 years my wife and I have been going there we have never had a bad meal,the staff are very good and friendly,

Lovely service from the lady and very accommodating. Food good as was beer, bice location after walk. Worth a visit.

Been coming here for over 5 years and service has been hit and miss, there is a new manager (mark) here and since he has taken over what a fantastic different, so much more welcoming and appealing with having a manager that actually comes over to talk to the customers, the 2 bar staff sarah and kaiden are so lovely and polite and they were quick with serving drinks and food came out in great time. Keep up the great work guys

Had a lovely family meal for our boys 14th birthday x Don’t forget more custard on the treacle sponge next time 👍🏻😂

The 10oz rump steaks used to be superb, now pre cut no bead of fat and tasteless, not worth the money, Been going there for 30+years, doubt I will go again

Not been here for a couple of years .. but came today and absolutely love the place .. Food was spot on and the service was second to none.. if you want a decent steak then this is the place and the price is fantastic.

went last night we both had stake it was cooked beautifully the only criticismis there was no garnish on the plate it let it down a bit also kadian was one of the nicest and most helpful barman we had the pleasure of meeting thank you again for a lovely evening

Been here a few times over the years at one point it was our go to restarting for special occasions. However since the pandemic it has definitely changed for the worse. Service was poor, Irish coffee? Couldn’t make it! Didn’t know how to float cream. That being said it’s cracking value

Steak and chicken fajitas. Well, burnt to a crisp with liver on the plate. Most likely left overs from someone else's plate and only 3 tortillas, cold, dry and falling apart. Bar man who hadn't a clue what we were ordering. Without a doubt this place is awful now, a shame considering how good it once was

Friday 20th October. Lunch. Couldn't fault the food or service. Very good price. Special thanks to Sarah. Thanks Jenny & Pete

Went with sister and brother in law.they had two 10oz steaks with a bottle of wine £23:99 i think. Steaks nice chips great sauces nice but peas awful. I had 10oz gammon egg chips.1/2 tomatoe lovely £6:49 peas awful reasonably priced drinks all in all good value for money would go back again.

Can't comment on the food as we never got to try it after waiting for 45 minds was told it would be another 20 mins at least there was only 8 people in there including us we got a refund and left.

Great menu with lots of choice ,and special meal deals including drinks .👍👍

Steak was lively but peas like bullets and mushroom sauce like water

Great food and a good choice on tap. We visited mid afternoon on a Monday so we were pretty much the only ones in there which was nice.

Excellent service, really made us feel welcome. Our dog, Meg, was well catered for. The food was great. Will always come back for more

Great value, atmosphere and service. A great find. We'll definitely be back. Dog friendly. Car park. Outdoor seating available.

Nice staff food excellent well worth a visit

Very friendly staff food service was quick no waiting to long would recommend prices was good excellent all round service.

Great pub for a lunch destination. Never fails to do a good chicken melt! Keep up the good work.

I booked a table for 12 for my daughters' birthday. The service was excellent, the staff were friendly, and helpful. Our meals were lovely. I highly recommend .

Excellent value and quality and a great choice of food

Chicken was tough and what we ordered as a starter came out with the main, when we asked about the extras that were ordered the lady serving food snapped at my niece that it was coming. Coke had to be exchanged as it was flat.

Fantastic food, fantastic service. Highly recommend for a nice family meal.

Nice change of menu from the usual pub fare. Very tasty and good value too. Our only problem was finding it, but well worth the effort. We also felt very welcome.

I've been here before, usually on my birthday, don't tend to celebrate my birthday but the Mrs wanted to take me here for a birthday meal and surprise me by inviting my parents too and meet up there. Mrs had reserved a table, but when we went inside, we were told someone had already sat on the reserved table (no idea if they had reserved a table and went there). Was told to wait 5-10 minutes so they could clean another table for us, so we waited. 10 minutes goes by and asked about the table only for the to have been taken again. Decided to go elsewhere in the end with the intention of returning on another night but decided against it. Normally everything is great however this time we were let down.

Great pub food and even better prices and I was brought up there

Really nice food . And very warm and nice

I used to go to this place nearly weekly a few years back; it was always a "nicer" place to go for food that was also cheap and cheerful. But, after my meal there today I don't think I'll be rushing back. Was not worth the money or the venture there and back.

Excellent meal great value for money

I last visited here many years ago but live over forty minutes away but thought we would give it another try for my daughters birthday as had a great meal before. Well we wasn’t disappointed. Lovely friendly staff and the food was delicious. I don’t think we will ever stop hearing about the Steak & Ale Pie my dad had and how much he enjoyed it! We had never seen such big chunks of steak in a pie! We defo recommend and will be returning.

Excelente comida, servicio.Sitio muy recomendable para pasar el rato con los amigos o en familia.

A lovely pub in lovely countryside but the beer garden is in and feels like a car park

Lovely place really nice food friendly atmosphere and reasonably prices

I came hear last Sunday and I have to say, I was impressed. I ordered the Mac and Cheese burger along with some extra chips. When the burger came out, I realised they forgot the chips and it was immediately sorted. The staff are incredibly friendly and hard working. Best place to go for a good meal.

Good Food reasonably priced and friendly service

This place has always always been a strong favourite in our family. Always great food very friendly and food is always so good.

Very quick service,food good,and staff very helpful,would recommend.

A nice pub in the countryside, this used to be our regular for a pub lunch however since the change of ownership our visits have reduced. Visited here recently with family visiting from abroad, I believe that will be the last time we eat there, the food was below par and in my opinion, clearly defrosted and reheated!

We came a week ago Friday for my husband's birthday. Hadn't been since pre covid as had a not great meal. I've been coming since I was a little girl. So glad we came back. The food was back up to standard with great deals. The staff were very welcoming and checked on us during our meal to make sure all was OK. We'll be back soon

Very friendly food good pub grub

Lovely setting for this lovely pub/restaurant. Nice chilled atmosphere. Food was great at great prices.

Another decent pub serving large steaks. I had the 16 oz T-bone which was really good and the best steak I’ve had for a long time. Portion of chips could have been bigger and perhaps a mushroom or two would have been good as well. The wife said the cod was delicious and worth the £15 or so. Dessert was a little disappointing. I had the tall ice cream with cream topping but it was more cream than ice cream. I’m told the apple pie is good. We returned to the Red Lion a few weeks later and I tried the sirloin which I had medium rare but it was cooked more like rare, extremely bloody and virtually cold in the centre put me off some what.

Looks like a wake no life. 2 fillet steaks cooked to order both different requirements however came out as if both the same. Prices gone up and the service was bog standard. Very disappointed as completely opposite to previous visits

Well cooked food, very polite staff. X

Just been for lunch after a morning clay pigeon shooting. Staff were accommodating and so polite, the food ranging from the king henry to the gammon off the special menue were exceptional. The stilton sauce was the best we have ever tasted. Will definitely be back.

We visited over The Bank Holiday Weekend for my Sister's Surprise Birthday Meal. What a Lovely Place nothing was too much Trouble the Food was Great and the Surprise went ahead with no hitches ! I would 100% recommend it . Many Thanks 👍❤️

Thought we would give it a go, they have a cheap as chips £5.99 menu mon - friday. 2x Spicy Cajun chicken - not really spicy, found it bland! one was overdone, the other it was cooked but rubbery, wasn't really pleasant and after having half I left it as at the price I had also ordered a fish cakes meal which was good. Burgers were fine, as was the fajita. Can't complain pricewise, food or drinks, but won't order the cajun again. Would go again now i know it's 10 minutes away, but not in a hurry

Peppered pork chops, chips and peas - delicious as always.

Always welcoming and good tasty food great service party of 15 had meal at same time well done to staff

Has had its ups and downs over the last couple of years but now seems to have settled to being a decent eating house again

Just had a wonderful meal here. Would definitely recommend it and will be going back. Very much worth the money.

Went today 24/03/2023 from memory was really looking forward to a well cooked large steak meal. First of all customer service could do with some work. Seemed like everything is a hassle including ordering drinks. Secondly and most importantly ordered a 24oz steak cooked medium rare came out very well done asked for it to be changed absolutely no problems second steak arrived cooked so rare if it had been on the grill for more than one minute I would be very surprised, on top of this it was the scraggiest piece of meat possible. Now the waitress/bar person was amicable and refunded for the one meal no problem there was no attempt at recompense or any view of trying to get a return customer. I was offered for the steak to be put under the grill again but as my partner had already started her meal I felt this was not good. I will not use this restaurant again and will certainly think twice before using any others in the chain.

Good food, good atmosphere and they still do the 32 Oz mixed grill.yum

Came here dinner following a recommendation. Bought a 3 piece starter for 12.99. Halloumi chips were decent and so were the chicken bites but the wings had been burnt with a blowtorch. Bought the king henry steak, by far the worst pub steak I’ve tasted. Underwhelming.

We used to go to the red lion many years ago but we had a couple of bad meals but a friend just recently went and had a lovely meal and such great value so we gave it a whirl well what a lovely meal we had the 2 steaks and bottle of wine for £18.99 it was delicious both steaks medium rare the staff were great very friendly and interested why we came we are even going back on Friday night with our friends that recommend the red lion it was quiet clean tables and fantastic food what more can you ask for thank you see you Friday night