The Red Lion in Mid Devon

Food was small portions of overcooked food. Took ages, we were the only people in there on a Sunday. No staff, tables not cleared, no idea of service. Suggest you get someone in to help you improve your business.

Have been visiting this place for decades, usually combined with a morning's walk. Arrived before opening time and parked as usual (as prearranged). When about to set off was told that the pub was closed all week and to move my car out of the empty, unused car park. Not a good example of the 'hospitality' trade. There are more welcoming places to go in future. Pity for such a historic inn that has welcomed people for centuries.

We visited this pub at lunchtime. We had scampi and chips and fish pie. The scampi was over cooked but the chips were nice, it came with homemade tartar sauce, that was in a very small container..could of done with double the amount. The fish pie lacked fish and came with very sad veg. It seemed to us that there was a problem with the staff..they couldnt cope. There was an older lady there that didnt seem very happy at all, not with us..just in general. There was a very helpful young man there that seemed to be doing everything. The meals were very expensive for what they were. We would not return.

Since the new owners have taken over the place has gone downhill. Went for a Pizza. Previously these were fantastic. Big, tasty, well cooked. Loved them. Now. Small, bland and under cooked. Very disappointed. My wife had a nacho dish. She said that was very poor too. Small and tasteless. Won't be returning I'm afraid. What a shame.

Was staying local so thought we’d try here for a evening meal…the place was dead, two bar staff who was pleasant enough, the menu they have online wasn’t what they actually had available which was disappointing… we was the only people eating and after a lengthly wait I had the gammon which was okay my poor partner had a pizza that looked like it was a Iceland £1 deal..very poor quality and at almost £15 was severely overpriced,she ate most of it but said it was very basic and wouldn’t have it again…. The little lady/boy behind the bar kept staring at me which was very off putting when trying to eat- we wouldn’t revisit

I booked the red lion because we were attending a family wedding in nearby Harefield Barn. I booked two rooms. (Just in case you are thinking of going there are only three rooms so book early) Our room was very lovely for our two night stay. The hosts were very friendly. It’s a very quiet village in lovely Devon countryside. We used the bar facilities and had a meal there on Friday night. The food is nice and the staff are very nice too. Breakfast was great with lots of local produce. We have really enjoyed our stay and would highly recommend if you are passing through or even looking for somewhere to stay whilst travelling through Devon. There is also the village shop within which is open the same hours of the inn. If you do stay and need a taxi do as I did and book well in advance. Overall a really lovely stay and fantastic value for money. If we are ever passing through we will go back.

A nice pub, service was good, food was great and reasonably priced. The only reason for 4 stars is that we had to wait a long time for pudding. Otherwise great.

The sunday roast tasted incredible, and was beautifully presented (and the sticky toffee pudding was delicious)! Staff were very helpful and friendly and I really recommend visiting. A genuine 10 out of 10 !

Wonderful night out last night. Delicious food, friendly, efficient staff. Couldn't fault it. Will definitely return

Food poor value for money Overpriced and poor quality Member of staff extremely rude - not for the first time We definately won't be going back

Thought we were booking a traditional English pub but seriously disappointed.Lack of staff affected our family evening meal out. Queuing in pub that led to outside area due to one person working flat (who was most apologetic) out on the bar not really acceptable with current COVID conditions.It took 1.5 hours for our starters to arrive. A further 0.5 hours for main course (now getting dark) meal acceptable but not pleasing. Steaks were cooked well but presentation lacked enthusiasm (or time due to may be lack of staff?) burgers for our teenagers acceptable but didn’t excel or leave a memory of being anything to remember. Didn’t bother to order dessert as already taken 2 active members of committed visual staff trying to do their best to deliver 2 courses in 2 hours.No discrimination to staff or their lack of quality of service just management and HOW they manage their establishment to give the customer an evening to remember, or forget, in our experimence! Thank you staff, you tried your best!

We were delighted to find out that the Red Lion had reopened. After walking from Crediton we were definitely ready for dinner! We both had a 3 course meal and cannot fault it. They are operating a limited menu but it is well thought out with something for everyone. The beer is well kept, which is a must for my husband, and the wine by the glass was very good as well. Nat and the staff are friendly, welcoming and helpful. Missed coming in during shutdown!

We attended a wedding at the red lion in June and was so impressed with meal we decided to go back for a meal the food was lovely huge portions really well cooked and the staff where great will defiantly be going back .

We booked a double room in advance whilst visiting family in the village arrived at 1345 told room not ready until 1500 ring door bell and they’d let us in , returned at 1530 pub locked no door bell to be found knocked on door and window phoned 3 times got no answer gave up and went back home very disappointing will not use this pub again

Ideal place for a summer evening drink and something to eat Nice garden to be able to sit in Food is very nice Bit slow to serve at the bar though which is a frustration Apart from that well worth a visit

Had almost forgotten this gem of a local pub. This was our second visit and the food was just as good as our first time. We were greeted by friendly staff and had our drinks arrive and orders taken swiftly. Portion sizes are just right. I can highly recommend the Gammon which came with freshly grilled pineapple - not a chunk out of a can - and egg with home made chips which always finishes a meal off for me. If you can't make real chips don't have them on your menu!! Puddings were very generous and were also very good. We will definitely be returning.

We came across this pub by chance and thought we would give it a try. We were not disappointed. The food was reasonably priced, piping hot and plentiful. The menu was varied and included some specials. The staff were friendly, helpful and efficient and the whole place had a good feel to it.It also has a spacious garden and patio area and a reasonable sized car park.

Upon arrival we were given a very friendly welcome. This continued throughout our visit. The food was well presented and delicious. We ate in the bar area which was very nice. We will definitely return.

Such a refreshing change to find a local that is so friendly! Happened upon it today while out for a walk not been before. Staff very friendly and pub was warm and cosy. Simple foo , reasonably priced, served very quickly. The place is clean and tidy but dogs and walkers welcomed. All in all would highly recommend.

Been there a few times. Really like the place. Pizza's are fantastic. Beer is good and the staff are very friendly. We will return.

My wife and I were on a drive looking for potential places to live near Crediton, and a local resident recommended we visit the village. As we drove in we spotted the Red Lion, and decided to stop for lunch. We are very glad we did!The pub was quiet, which was a pleasant surprise, and we were given a warm welcome by the owner. The menu is extensive and varied. We were really impressed by the quality of the food, which is clearly homemade. We spent another hour after lunch talking about the history of the pub and the local village, which was likely. We will be visiting again for lunch or dinner!

Natalie and her colleagues put on a marvellous spread for a funeral reception. All tastes were catered for - including vegan - and were enjoyed by all. The kitchen and serving staff deserve our thanks.

Telephoned in advance to book a table for four people to eat in the garden. The frosty telephone manner should have put us on notice as to the things to come. They said that they couldn't book a table in the garden and when we explained that it was for health reasons they reluctantly agreed to reserve but said "we wont be making a habit of it". Ordered our food and when it arrived one of the meals was incorrect. The vegetarian mac n cheese had bacon on it. They took it away without apology and when it finally arrived again no apology was forthcoming for the wait. The food was not very good and at no time did anyone ask how our meals were. When our food arrived we tried to order more drinks via the waitress but was told that we needed to go to the bar. The belly pork was over cooked and the pizza was stodgy and tasteless. On an upside the beer was good and whilst the garden was pleasant and the views were stunning the hospitality was far from enjoyable. Perhaps he is in the business?

Stopped in for lunch - very quiet, but with food like this the Red Lion deserves to be much busier. Had a lovely crispy chilli beef starter followed by hearty (and very cheesy) macaroni cheese. Delicious, and fantastic value. Shobrooke, you're very lucky - wish my local served food this cheap and tasty.

I came here with my wife and friends for lunch. It was very quiet, but our own company was good. We had three different straightforward meals. All well cooked and delicious. Macaroni cheese was traditional rather than poncy - just how it should be. I can imagine this place would be even better when full of atmosphere on a busy evening.

Back to brothers for the open mic night. Once a month anyone can turn up to sing or play an instrument or both. Loved the evening. Drinking Devin mist cider and eating great Cheesy chips. Lots of acts making this an enjoyable evening in a great pub.

Booked a family gathering here today. My brother and I picked up my parents from Wales Saturday morning. My wife, daughter and her husband came up from Essex and we met up with my brothers wife for family lunch. The table had been reserved but it was a quiet and wet day. The non drivers had a selection of gins to start. A very good menu included our starters of beer battered Brie...excellent light batters. Mains included fish and chips, Aubergine and Halloumi stacks and various burgers. My spicy bean burger with chips and salad was substantial. The puddings were great also...but I was too full. A nice Malbec and tea and coffee. Service was very good from Dan as was his photographic skills. Definitely will return

With over 100 thirsty runners stopping to refresh themselves, you'd think they'd be happy for the business as this potentially great pub is a little tucked away, but it was all the bar staff could do to take your money. A smile costs nothing!

This is a typical village pub, with lots of local characters hanging out. They seem to be happy to promote music, and as well as gigs, there is a great free open mic session once a month.

We couldn't have held our daughter and Son in laws wedding reception anywhere better! The food and service was excellent and Nathalie looked after everything, so we could just relax and enjoy the day. Thank you so much 😀

We were here for a wedding celebration in March. A very nice traditional village pub. Food was excellent, There have a lovely beer garden with fantastic views but as it was March we didn't sit the garden. Friendly staff and good selection of beers.

Stayed at the pub as my son has moved to the village. Great to know there is such a friendly pub to stay at in the future. Food was great, and rooms were very good. Proper genuinely friendly hospitality

We had our wedding reception here in August and were so impressed with the Red Lion. Natalie, the landlady, was so welcoming and organised making sure that everything was covered and we could just relax and enjoy the day.

Esta noche que nos llevaron a la Red Lion para la cena y me pareció muy agradable. Este pub encantador pueblo que data del año 1580 de seguro podría contar algunas historias. El servicio era amable y comida deliciosa. Tuvimos el pescado y patatas fritas con guisantes y carne tarta de riñón tienen ofertas especiales los martes, jueves, viernes y sábado, merece la pena. Probarlo y disfrutar de nosotros.

We've known this pub for many years and seen it under various owners. Our most recent visit was very pleasant. Good value for money and good quality food. We liked the fact that the pub displays the work of local artists and potters, too, rather than things with no real local value or history. And no canned music! The weather wasn't good enough for us to eat outside, but the garden behind the pub is very well-maintained and has a stunning view of the fields and hills beyond, so on a warm day it would be perfect for lunch outside. The carpark is plenty big enough for busy periods.

This pub is walkable from Great Gutton across the fields, but we drove, lovely food, although slightly expensive.

We only called in for a lunchtime drink part-way round a walk. We were greeted by locals at the bar as we walked in and made to feel very welcome. The food being delivered to other tables looked very nice and there was a good selection of meals on the blackboard. Definitely somewhere to re-visit for an evening meal one day.

a lovely example of a good ol country village pub, friendly warm great selection of beers and wonderful selection of food .. great staff complete the "deal"

At a difficult time, we had superb and very helpful service to organise the catering following my Mother's funeral. Everyone was impressed by the variety and quality of the delicious food. The friendly and relaxed atmosphere made the day as good as possible. Will certainly return in happier circumstances and would recommend this pub.

What a great local pub. They always great you with a friendly smile and a warm welcome. They make you feel as if you are at home. The service is great very polite and courtesy. A great selcation of local cider and beer along with your main stream beers. The food is amazing great taste and service is great. This pub is off the beaten track and worth a trip to try. The bar welcomes dogs as well

Living in Thorverton, a small village 5 miles away, this has been our regular for food. Very friendly staff and the food always hot and delicious. Whether eating from the main menu or the 'specials' nights the food remains consistently good. Highly recommended.

We stayed over for one night at the Red Lion's B and B and were made to feel very welcome. The bed was comfy; tea, coffee and biscuits were provided; the bathroom was clean -- and the view was gorgeous. In the morning, we had a wonderful home-cooked breakfast with some of the best bacon and mushrooms we'd ever tasted. We also ate at the Restaurant the night before. Delicious. I recommend the haddock chowder. This is a delightful and reasonable B and B (and restaurant) in a wonderful bit of the country.

Whilst we didn't have a meal, we had been out for a walk around the surrounding lanes and were in dire need of a cuppa when we came upon the Red Lion! Even though we only wanted a cup of tea we were made to feel very welcome and on looking at the Menu boards, which offered plenty of choice, we will certainly come back another day for lunch.

Have visited this pub on a number of accessions now over the past two years. It gets better each time. Really friendly and accommodating staff and good traditional pub food with an extensive menu. Generous portions and good value for money. Has a stock of local beers, but especially like the local cider, particularly on a sunny afternoon in the beer garden with gorgeous views over the mid Devon fields. With serving on Sundays from noon till eight in the evening it's a godsend when taking people/family out.

Good selection of beer and friendly staff. Had Sunday lunch with the family and it was good. Well worth the money and perfect quality. Well worth a visit.

If you fancy a Friday fry up you won" t do better than head to the Red Lion. Fish and chip specials on a Friday , two meals for $10.00. Good sized portion and wonderful fresh fish lovely freshly made tartare sauce and mushy or garden peas. Fantastic views over rolling Devon countryside in the garden and a spacious lounge bar. Child friendly pub. Very friendly proprietors!

Driving the narrow Devon lanes, whose stone walls, ready to rip the side off your car, are disguised as hedges, we began to despair of finding a pub for a bite of lunch. Eventually, it seemed miles from anywhere, we came upon The Red Lion. Mirabile dictu! A plain building, with a sparse sitting area for residents (who would want to stay there!) & a plain & rather unwelcoming bar. Mine host was also somewhat dour. An interesting, short menu & the food was well cooked, although the portions were on the small side. The ales were good & well kept & the house wine fine. Prices were reasonable. To visit, for a meal, not to stay unless you welcome isolation.

We got taken here for Sunday lunch after a family wedding before the long drive back and it was a nice enough meal. Sadly 'nice enough' is not always good enough and I feel the uninspiring menu and slow service let the place down. We were offered complimentary coffee's because we had to wait so long for our main courses, but worryingly the pub was far from packed so no excuses for the wait really. The food itself was tasty without being exciting and the staff were friendly, but overall it was a very average eating experience.

What a good choice for a weekend break over a busy weekend. Our daughter and son-in-law were staying at a local campsite and we require something more comfortable. The Red Lion met our requirements perfectly. A warm and friendly welcome. Our room had a very comfortable double bed and the view from the room was over the rolling Devon countryside. When we returned in the evening on the first night there was a lovely atmosphere with a few of the locals putting the world to rights. Breakfasts were freshly cooked and set one up for the day. We liked the choices on the tapas style nibbles menu, the starters and the mains menus (they were about to change for the summer options). The portions were generous and well cooked - really good value for money - we didn't try the desserts menu couldn't eat any more. We don't often stay in pubs - after this delightful experience we shall be reviewing our booking policy.We really enjoyed staying at the Red Lion and the owners must be congratulated on providing a really top class establishment in such a off the beaten track location. If we are every down this way again we will certainly try and stay here.

We recently went to this pub for an early dinner with a toddler. The staff were friendly the portions were massive and cooked in my opinion very well. I will certainly return to this lovely, well decorated, excellently staffed restaurant. My parents were staying there and although we didn't actually visit their room they said it was very nice and the small issue they had with the shower was sorted within an hour. Excellent service with delicious food. Thank you.

Myself and my husband took my mother in law to the red lion for lunch when visiting her today. I was immediately impressed by the beautiful flower displays outside and good parking facilities. There was a fantastic menu at good prices something to suit everyone's budget. The landlady was very friendly and accommodating. The Loo's have been refurbished and are spotlessly clean. The food was piping hot and delicious and the ice cream for dessert was fab, recommend the caramel and thunder and lightning which is like a honeycomb. I really hope this place does well as they try hard and deserve to. I will definitely go back next time I'm in Devon.

I have been to the pub several times and on each occasion have been met by friendly bar staff and the pub has a very welcoming feel, with leather sofas and a woodburning stove, just lovely on a dark chilly evening. The food is excellent - my choice as a vegetarian was portobello mushroom and goats cheese "burger" which was extremely tasty and to which my non-vegetarian friend tasted and agreed it was very yummy! My friend is a regular at the pub and tells me that the steaks are extremely good, particularly the sirloin which is particularly succulent. The chef is very friendly and attentive and if time allows will pop out to ensure the meal was to our liking. Oh and the local cider is absolutely delicious.....I look forwards to many more evenings there.

Due to visiting the area of Crediton quite regularly, I've tried a number of the B&B's as well as pubs/restaurants for food. I can easily say that the food served here is absolutely lovely. There is a great range of food to choose from for both adults and children, the flavours and quality of the food is of the highest as well. I can only highly recommend this pub

Me and my friend drove though the village last week and seen the pub and stop for lunch. And I have to say it was the worst meal I have had in a long time the food was cold I took so long from my food to get to me there was no sorry for it coming so late as there was only other for people there and me also my beer was not right. My friend was not that happy with were meal over all very unhappy and we shall not be coming back

Was visiting the pretty village of Shobrooke to trace my father’s family roots but never thought that I would learn that the family had run the Red Lion from at least 1841 (could be longer as it has been an Inn since the 1580’s) until selling it in 1933! We, and the dog, received a very warm welcome and were amazed at the wide choice of food. We only had time for a quick snack but, on hearing that about 30 Farmers plus “Men from the Ministry” were about to have lunch there, I can only conclude that the food must be highly regarded!Take time to visit St. Swithun Church just outside the village and find the Holy Well (pre-dating the Church) on the way. We found the latter adorned with fruit & vegetables to commemorate the forthcoming Harvest Festival.Hope to enjoy the Red Lion properly next time and stay over for a few days.

We stopped at the village pub yesterday for lunch and couldn't have left more pleased with our experience. The menu was quite extensive and included a good range of vegetarian options. My husband had a huge serving of delicious lasagne with excellent quality beef (there was also a vegetarian option) with a serving of fresh green salad and I had a delicious bowl of carrot and coriander soup. The landlady was very accommodating of our dietary issues and spent a lot of time sorting out several requests that we made over and above the ordinary. We came away feeling like we were part of the village community and we can't wait to go back and spend more time there. We will stay at the pub next visit and do some walking in the area.

Just come back from a two night stay at this gorgeous part of the country. Our stay at The Red Lion was fabulous. Great room with very comfy bed and a very tasty breakfast. Everyone was very friendly and accommodating. Our room (room 5) had a lovely big buddleia right outside, which had become a haven for butterflies- it was coveredin them! We will definately be back for another stay soon.

I stayed at The Red Lion in Shobrooke recently, as I was nearing the end of my charity walk from John O'Groats to Lands End. The welcome from Natalie and her family was very good indeed. The room was exceptionally good, the food was superb - both at dinner, and again at breakfast. The ale was very well kept, with a good choice, as well as the wines. Natalie was very helpful, friendly, generous, way beyond what you might normally expect. They have clearly worked very hard at getting the place to the high standard they are at now, and I would thoroughly recommend The Red Lion to all, whether for dinner, or a drink, a short or longer break, or all of the above. Excellent indeed!!

This is a nice looking pub. However having ordered a surf n turf,(stuck to this as menu rather uninspired)I asked if chef could tenderise the meat to be told our meat is tender as such high quality. Well I thought it would be good. Sadly this ended when it came out on a rather tacky hot and very hot skillet. Showy not realy and only resulted in burnt chips and why ask how you want your steak as it ended up well done on stupid hot skillet. And why no veg? Am I the only person who is bored of chips with everything.

I am a co-organiser of the Classic and Specialist Car and Bike Night, an informal vehicle gathering that takes place on the last Thursday of each month at The Red Lion, Shobrooke. Right from the start, the team at The Red Lion have enthusiastically supported and helped to promote the meet, a welcome change from the attitude of some establishments. The result of this has been an event with a superb friendly atmosphere, with many attendees choosing to "make a night of it" by staying to enjoy the excellent and varied selection of food served at this pub. Can certainly recommend The Red Lion both as a good meeting place and a good eatery!

Just visited the Red lion with same friends for a short spring break. A welcoming family run business which served a good selection of real ales. We took part in a quiz night and were made welcome by the locals also. The ensuite rooms were clean, with a very comfortable king size bed and a lovely view from the room. The restaurant served home cooked food along with a specials menu. Room and meal prices were very reasonable. A good base to be able to visit lots of interesting and scenic places.We will be back!

We had a Bank Holiday weekend break here. Very welcoming with good food and friendly service.The rooms were comfortable and well decorated. The pate and the lamb shank were particularly tasty. Breakfast time was flexible as was the breakfast menu itself. We can highly recommend the omelette! The Red Lion source all their food locally wherever possible and all meals are freshly cooked not microwaved. PS they don't close at 2.

Had good pub lunch here over Easter while walking in area. Locall sourced meat etc. traditional public bar with locals and lounge for food and us lot. Watch out for closing time though, as shuts at 2, so no good for late lunch.