The Red Lion in Purbeck

Excellent food and larger than average portions..

The Red Lion used to be a bit of a locals pub but was a bit of a dive. Almost a year ago, it changed hands, and the new owners seem to have spent a lot of time and money in upgrading my prefered drinking venue in Swanage. The pub is now clean and has a good choice of beers both ales and larger etc. I don't know anything about wines as I don't drink them, but the food is great. The food has a Turkish theme to it, which always tastes great and fresh. I think they've got some sort of flame grill stove thing, but all I know is I like the food and the beers, and the pub is dog friendly..

Lovely pub and faultless food. Top class.

Stayed, drank and ate here over the Swanage blues festival weekend. All good!!

Had a great meal there and staff were very friendly and accommodating

Great pub. Great music I didn't eat here but food looked tremendous Good choice of real ale

Good pub, good food, nice garden friendly staff

Warm and welcoming. Staff were friendly and efficient. Great atmosphere and great food which was excellent value especially if you have the Turkish Meat Platter!!

I recently visited again but was a bit disappointed this time. We were informed not to sit at some tables as they had just been set for dinner (though there were no tables booked at the time when we enquired about making one). We were happy to sit at any table with our drinks but the ones available were in the other bar which meant carrying the drinks outside round to the other bar area, no offer from barman to pass them round to the other bar. The beer was good, gravity poured, but only two available on this visit.

Didn't stay there but had some food. Reasonable menu but nothing special. Best thing was the beer. All craft ales are Gravity poured.

A proper pub with top notch authentic Turkish food. Sounds weird? Think again. This place is fabulous. If you are in Swanage and fancy a treat, give it a try.

Not the friendliest staff good beer

After reading mixed reviews, we decided to give this pub a try for dinner. It was so good we returned two days later. great atmosphere. Staff very pleasant and helpful. Food delicious - especially the Turkish shish made by the Turkish chef.

Very helpful staff and tasty food. Fitted us in at short notice om two occasions. Best pub for eating in Swanage The table around the pool table are best avoided

Good cider consumed by friend. 8.7% Recommend cider menu.

Popped in on the off chance for a table for two, and although they were busy, they found us a table at very short notice. The barman was extremely polite and courteous, and the food came it was hot and plentiful. Great choice of wines and beers. Recommended. Would definitely go back again.

Nice little old pub. Great service and excellent drink selection

Excellent food. First class. Thank you

A group of 7 locals booked a table for Saturday evening 7.00 the pub was busy and buzzing ,what a lovely evening we had the food was AMAZING and the staff just couldn’t do enough for you absolutely lovely pub 🤗

I had visited so many times especially for their Curry night on Wednesday’s but when I phoned I told it was under new management. That’ll be fine I thought, but the menu was not explained and the special board just had a name on it £44.00 I had no idea what it was . The people next to us had this Turkish dish and it looked very good, however we had ordered ours so couldn’t change even if the waiter did describe what they were eating. We had halloumi chips as a started but they came out with the mains, i thought this was odd, then the mains came out, it was all underwhelming with a Turkish twist. The bill was extortionate at £83 I couldn’t believe my ears and the food was not worth that, £63 perhaps, staff were not particularly nice or good at their jobs, that includes the man behind the bar. I don’t think they will be in business as long as the previous team they knew their job and their food was excellent even if it was just pub grub, but pub grub mixed up with Turkish was weird.

Superb collection of beers and ciders

Great pub with good atmosphere 👌 Went in on happy hour as there are signs everywhere. Nobody knew what happy hour was, including the staff 😕 That's why it dropped a star

Great pub. We had not booked but the lady was so helpful letting us have a table as long as we could vacate it by a certain time. Wonderfully food and very helpful staff. Would highly recommend but in busy times be sure to make a booking.

NEVER AGAIN Have been to this pub before and wow has it gone down hill rapidly. Extremely rude staff, swearing behind the bar and not welcoming. Ordered food and waited 40 minutes to find out it had been given to someone else....then gave us free chips, what a joke. But our dogs liked them. Staff drinking outside with other drunk inappropriate humans. An absolute waste of time and effort. Shame to see a good pub fall. Just vile

Pub needs up dating but plesent staff

Just had a drink , the tables were gorgeous and they were resin set in wood.

Warm welcome. Friendly staff and prompt service even though it was bank holiday weekend! We did book a table in the restaurant. We had to order at the bar which wasn’t an issue. Food came quickly and I must say it was incredible. Would definitely recommend and we shall return.

Wonderful hospitality from Molly and all at The Red Lion. Great recommendation for the Tac Sava ‘special’! Look forwards to heading back again next year!

Really decent place with great food and lovely service. And incredibly reasonable for being right in Swanage town. Will definitely got back to it if we visit the area again :-)

Had a lovely meal in the Red Lion. Great service and a superb Turkish sharing dish called Sac Tava. Would recommend.

Menu had a Turkish theme, food was really good, had lamb chops cooked perfect, service was excellent and bar staff friendly. Will return in the future.

What a fabulous pub! Friendly staff & locals. Excellent service. Very reasonably priced food & a good choice on offer. Would definitely recommend. Not to be missed if you’re in the area. ❤️😊

Lovely food and great service. We always eat at the Red Lion when on holiday in Swanage and the food never disappoints. The staff, food and atmosphere were great and we will be returning again to eat in a few days it was that good!!

Nice traditional pub with a very nice beer garden, very reasonable prices for this day and age. Did not eat on this visit but will return in the future.

We always looked forward to going to this pub while on holiday in Swanage we loved the atmosphere , the beers and cider , unfortunately we visited this time and as really disappointed no ciders on any more and this pub was famous for its over 50 cider choice , the beer selection was also very poor if you like larger you would be ok . We looked at the food menu but couldn’t find anything we really wanted so can’t comment on the food and to be fair didn’t see anyone eating while we were there. The pub has been refurbished and this looks good . Unfortunately we were really disappointed and only used it once while we were there

Long overdue trip to our favourite place 'Swanage' Smashing room, friendly staff & will definitely stay again. Lovely cosy place to stay...👍😊

On the outside this looks like a pretty English pub in a beautiful seaside town. What let's this down is the appalling attitude of the staff. The first time we came we were made to feel like an inconvenience, no matter where we stood we were in the way. The second time, the attitude was the same so it wasn't that they were having a bad day. When we asked what gin they had, we were told,'gin, gin and gin' The glasses had no lemon and again we were made to feel in the way. The food is mediocre but the customer service even worse. With so many wonderful places to eat and drink in Swanage with wonderful staff, don't waste your time or money here

We were going to have a meal here, but with the worst service from staff who just couldn’t be bothered to service us and would rather talk with each other, we had our drinks and left. Had a great meal and drinks at the next bar down the road at the Anchor Inn Swanage with the economy being so tight missing out on £100 customer can’t be good.

Unwelcoming, called last orders just after 10pm, rang the last bell 10 mins later & clearly want you out!! Opening times on Google state 11pm closing, door slammed at 10.35pm!!

Great beer. The Turkish style menu very refreshing on a hot day

Limited menu £16 for scampi and frozen chips .the beer was not very nice . Sent drink back as beer was flat . Changed it no sorry just plonked it down on table .

We recently stayed at the this accommodation for a steam gala May 2024.. The property was of a high standard recently re vamped both my husband and I would definitely stay again. Staff were amazing and very attentive, the red lion is situated in the heart of Swanage close to all amenities. I Would definitely recommend a visit we stayed in the Swanage Bay accommodation suitable to sleep 4 but was only 2 of us so made the most of the comfy sofa and TV also has a mini refrigerator tea and coffee parking at rear also available.

Great place to stay. Also cosy pub for an evening tipple

We were here last year when they did 40 or 50 real ciders, many local. This what they were known for. This year they had 2 bottled ciders, one out if stock. Food was ok quality but expensive and the staff were grumpy. Far better pubs down the road.

Booked to go here for dinner. Barman was rude and turfed a couple having a drink off their table by plonking a reserved sign down and telling them the table was reserved for us. The waitress was lovely, but I am allergic to soya and after consulting with the kitchen, she told me which dishes I "would probably be safest with", but she would understand if I wanted to leave. She then came back again after a few minutes and said the kitchen thought it best we leave! So avoid if you have any allergies!

Beautifully newly renovated. Has kept the old vibe but is clean and modern. Only visited for drinks which were reasonably priced and good wine choice. Unfortunatley, staff were tired and struggling with a long day (they shared this with us) so closed fairly early and we had an earlier night than expected. With some cheerful staff this would be an excellent review.

Great pub. Food is a little pricey but still a great pub

Excellent beers but less real ales than previously

Busy cosy pub, good food, good beer, beer garden at the rear

The pub is in the good beer guide, don't know why as they had no ale on. Last year was superb,this year shocking. The new owners need to remember what a pub is about. Walked in and walked straight out.

The Red Lion has always been a reliable pub for a decent meal and a pint, but it was feeling a little tired. Now it’s had a facelift. Fresh decor and furniture and a wonderful new menu. The food is adventurous, fresh, big options and big portions, enough choice for vegans, and is beautifully prepared and presented. They have invested in a charcoal burner which gives the food a real lift. Service has always been friendly, helpful and welcoming. We shall go again (and again and again).

A fine pub in the centre is Swanage. The food and beer was served with a smile from the lovely bar staff. A special mention must be made to Lily who really made an effort to be happy and welcoming! Will come again 😊

The Red Lion has been recently renovated - It’s a lovely old Pub and they have a new menu. We had the lamb kofte which was delicious with flatbreads. The staff are lovely, we had a great evening. Would definitely recommend.

Nice little pub friendly bar lady and good music. Cannot comment on pub food but alcohol good selection of beers and wines. We will be back 🤣🤣🤣

Great ribs last night . It was one of the specials . Other specials we have had at other visits include lamb and rosemary pie . Stuffed peppers . We sometimes order 3 starters in the bar side instead of the resturant side . I hear that more Turkish food is coming soon , they already have Turkish starters and specials along with English meals like fish and chips . Look at the menu .....

Lucky we found this little gem as we walked in about 5.30 on a Sunday hoping to find food as didn't fancy cooking on our first night staying in Swanage. The roast pork belly was divine, to be honest the best I've ever eaten, really succulent & tender, cooked to perfection! As was the tenderstem brocoli, thank you ! Lovely cosy pub, very friendly staff, would love to return if we re-visit the area, 5 ☆'s

We booked a family meal for a sunday lunch, we checked the menu on line and looked at the menus online it did not mention that it was roast dinner only on a sunday. There was also a childs menu availaible but this did not include a roast as an option for them. When we arrived we were informed we had to pay for everything straight away as too many people had left with out paying which I initially did not have a problem with. We were then told that all they were serving was roast beef and pork belly. There was no option of a vegetarian option. I only eat white meat due to dietary requirements. The man kindly sorted out for me, to have chicken which I appreciated until I found two short hairs on my plate. When I mentioned this to the waitress she said ok and that was it, no apology or empathy, not really the way to deal with a customer. More staff training is required. The meal was nice and tasty but the service and customer interaction was not dealt with in the right way. A token gesture would have been polite or an apology.

Decent staff, really terrible beer, been in three consecutive weekends and the cask beer has been terrible! We won’t return, £5.10 for a pint of Landlord’s and three weeks running awful beer

First time we have visited and would go back. Fantastic food and service. Venue was great good atmosphere could not be faulted.

The premises has been newly furbished and looks clean and tidy. A welcoming and friendly pub. The food was fresh and very tasty and we didn’t have to wait too long. The manager was very helpful and provided excellent service. Would definitely come here again, highly recommended!

Been here so many times over the years and loved the pub. Today we went in and asked it they were children and dog friendly, we were told they were. Having found a table, we waited at the bar to be served drinks, we waited, and waited, and waited. Over 15 mins later we were still waiting, and were still not served, even though the pub was empty. We left in the end, went to the pub over the road and got served straight away. Shame as this was a proper pub.

Red Lion has been redone inside and is now a really nice pub to eat and drink in I haven’t eaten here again…yet and will update the review when I do. Soooooo much better now.

Had a beef roast dinner on Sunday . It came out cold and one slice of beef . Cost me £15 what a joke

Check out the newly refurbished Red Lion. Welcoming staff and a great tasty menu. It was so captivating with the open mic at the Swanage Blues festival that we didn’t need to venture elsewhere.

We had a Sunday roast. The vegetables were tasty, but all the food was only lukewarm. The yorkshire puddings (which I had to remind him to give us as they didn't come with the meal) were cold. I asked for my beef well done, and it came out pink. A staff member asked if everything was ok, and I told him it was lukewarm and he just said "it was lukewarm?" and offered nothing. £16 per roast and its almost cold...Wouldn't go back.

Great band tonight good atmosphere, always nice when historical pubs retain or even expose original features.

Nice family pub. Great service. Ale choices were a bit limited. Proper job would be preferred to Timothy Taylor

Been pub many times over the years,today went into bar about 3 and after 7. Minutes or being acknowledged we left. Young man sorting something out on till but did not even acknowledge our presence .very dissatisfied and so sorry that service has dropped.

Such a shame, this pub has gone massively downhill recently since previous visits. New ownership going the wrong way? Previously we've been able to choose from a large range of local traditional ciders, this time absolutely nothing available - a recent visit in between Xmas and NY. Were told bluntly food was not available. Better options in the area (the fantastic black Swan up the road, for one). Really hope this place turns around soon, the pub itself is a great building, nice little garden, good crowds.

Good pub. Friendly staff and a top pint well served. Would recommend.

We love this pub Friday night steak deal and we had beef madras curry Saturday it was amazing definitely not a microwave curry it was better than my own and Lily is amazing very friendly staff so the best pub in swanage

Great selection of beers and ciders would be better with the fire on 👍

Good old fashioned pub. Only popped in for a drink, enjoyed the atmosphere.

Barmaid was rude the only time I went in there , so much so I cancelled my Sunday roast I had booked

Cannot fault the food and service from my waiter , it was a barmaid who angered me sadly . I walked up to the bar to pay for my meal , as I did so a young couple walked up beside me , this barmaid completely ignored me. And started chatting to the couple beside me ! Only when I said excuse me did she look my way, apparently she thought we were all together , but obviously we were not as I was already at the bar when the joined me . She then proceeded to snatch my money to pay for my lovely meal , and practically threw my change back at me ! This is the same barmaid who was constantly shouting across to her obviously friends who were at pool table , she was very loud actually disturbed myself and another couple who were sat eating their meal , we both agreed that she was really unprofessional . The barmaid concerned weren't hard to miss as her hair was dyed pink in places . Sadly I wrestled with my conscious , and went back in the following day and cancelled a booking I had made for Sunday dinner . When I was talking to someone in my hotel they knew who I was talking about before I even described her , as they had been in at lunchtime and she was also very rude and off putting .

Very good roast dinner, friendly staff, good welcoming locals. All in all, a great pub.

We Stayed Bed and Breakfast, but also ate in the pub one night. The room was , well heated and we loved the wet room as it can be hard getting in and out of a bath as you get older. The beds were very comfortable and clean. It was very quiet even though it is on a main road. Not far from the Beach or any of the sights inc shops and the steam train. The food was very good, with a good selection and they could make a scrambled egg which seems a rarity. I recommend it and will be coming back.

2 éven belül másodjára térek be, hangulatos tradicionális kocsma helyi cidereket ihatsz és egy táblázaton nyomon követheted, hogy épp melyik a legkelendőbb

Had a lovely meal at the Red Lion. The steak and kidney pudding was to die for and a good selection of vegetables to go with it. Everyone enjoyed their food. Not sure I've ever seen such an extensive selection of ciders available. Amust for the cider lover. Very friendly staff and would definitely recommend a visit

Called in for a pint Friday lunch and managed to get a booking for the evening, Friday Steak Night was a great success. Upgraded to the Serloin on both, Peppercorn Sauce and a not bad wine, desserts were also very good. Fantastic selection of Cider and beer with guest ales changed regularly, it’s worth a visit for the Special Keg alone.

Last went there several years ago and the experience wasn't great - vegetarian and pescatarian served a fishcake, wine not chilled, poor staff attitude. So by now we were hoping things had changed. However.... Whilst staff were better, my wife opted for a steak, and after waiting nearly 30 minutrs for it, it was way overcooked for a medium rare. It was tough and chewy. Rather than complaining and wait for a fresh piece, we chose to battle on , and not go back for a long time. I heard others complaining about there meals too, so overall, in my opinion, hasn't improved. There are better choices in Swanage.

I love this pub. Always welcoming and friendly and attentive staff (the tall male waiter is extremely friendly and an asset to the place). The food is simple pub food but always really tasty and the homemade curry on a Wednesday is lovely. There is a gluten free menu and nice beer. It isn’t the smartest pub but it is well worth a visit especially for a well priced, friendly and child friendly meal.

We had a table in the bar as we had dogs with us, it was a little noisy but we expected that, there is lots on the menu to choose from, I had the burger and I would say it was definitely home made and it was very tasty, our party all enjoyed their meals and its very reasonably priced with good portion sizes and friendly service.

We had the roast beef last Sunday and it was hot & delicious extremely good value for money, we returned the next day and had their homemade Lasagna which is one of the best I have tried for many years, again very good value. Don’t be put off by the exterior it’s a cracking pub

We visit Swanage every year with family and always eat in the Red Lion. This year we were told we couldn’t book a table as dogs are now not allowed in the pub, but we could eat in the garden. When we asked for some menu’s the young lady rolled her eyes and said we couldn’t eat as there was too much food in the kitchen and it closed at 8:30! No apology!! We decided to get some drinks, I have never experienced a barman so rude! He wasn’t happy at us for ordering drinks in a certain order and when he was asked what flavour crisps they had, he raised his finger as if to say stop talking and wait. We actually couldn’t believe it and have never been treated in a pub that way! We will never eat or drink there again, such a shame as we always had a nice meal there. There are 16 of us so they would make a lot of money from our food and drink orders!! Absolutely disgusting!!

Thank you for a great meal last night, our dogs were made welcome. food great, staff great and looked like they loved their job, very welcoming.

This has to be the worst pub for both food and service that we have ever experienced- do not go here. We had to wait 40 minutes for food that was cold ( 2 steaks served cold) and rudeness from the waitress who rolled her...

I stumbled upon this place, and boy, was it a treat! The pub food here is fantastic, and let me tell you, the prices are just right. The cherry on top? The staff. They're like your foodie buddies, ready to suggest all the goodies off...

Having read some previous negative reviews we were a bit dubious about going but had already booked. Staff lovely. I had beef curry and hubby had steak and kidney pudding. Both meals were delicious and piping hot. Our waitress Lilly was so nice and efficient,...

Sadly I am leaving this negative review after years of visiting this pub tonight our meal was awful, 5 of us ate and 3 had the steak and ale pies and one the Lasagne,1 had chicken burger. Our pies were full of tough beef and...

Booked a table in the bar as restaurant was full. Tried the fish pie with seasonal vegetables...not convinced that brussel Sprouts are seasonal in July! Sadly my wife can make a better fish pie, not what I would expect on a night out. Bar was...

I am currently writing this review at 10pm outside the red lion hotel/pub in swanage. I booked a room that the red lion in swanage then double booked (no fault of my own) so I am now without my booked room tonight. The manager of...

We have been going to this pub for 30 years never had a bad meal until now the service was rubbish very poor the food was very poor we did not get any waitress service we had to go and get our own drinks 3...

We visited the red lion while on holiday. The only reason it’s getting 2 stars is because the food was ok. Service really could have been better as we were often ignored, staff smoking outside and sending text messages. My toddler needed a nappy, found...

My wife and I called in for a drink in May and we were not overwhelmed by our visit. The welcome was OK, but the tables were not really clean and the beer was just OK, we sat outside for our second pint and the...

Top pub with excellent speedy service. Have been here a number of times over the years and cannot recommend enough. Great menu choice and the staff are on top of their game. Tried somewhere else one evening just up the road on a recent stay...

Came here a few years back so was looking forward to a return visit. Unfortunately the chicken in the Thai green curry looked like it had been picked from the carcass, including skin. I wouldn't give it to the cat. It was unbearably spicy too....

Had a great curry and pint in an authentic locals pub, well flavored food and cool atmosphere. Didn't try the loos (other reviews said they were bad)

Lovely outside garden....pleasent-ish staff. The toilets are the worst in Swanage -I have been to a few pubs in the area but theirs left me gagging- for this reason, I will give it a miss. Main restaurant area not clean either - if you are...

We went to this pub on the off chance of getting a table. It is a small restaurant and the food was basic pub grub but we were grateful to get a table. The menu was typical pub grub but adequate. It was a bit...