The Red Lion in South Cambridgeshire

Exceptionally good meal. I've been here before and the food is reliably good - really good choice, well prepared - I had the sausage with poached egg to start and the venison to follow. OMG - absolutely brilliant! But that's not why I'm writing this review. Big mention for Daisy, who served us. Probably the best service I've ever received & all credit to her - attentive but not obtrusive, willing to go that extra mile to ensure it was a good evening. For example, I'm fussy about my cheeses - Daisy went back & forth to the kitchen to find a selection I like, and they were DELICIOUS. Daisy - you delivered with charm & attentiveness & you're a credit to your profession. Thank you

Went for Sunday lunch with a friend today use to go alot with my partner who sadly passed away and the food was always very good,but hadnt been for almost 3 yrs. I was really disappointed in the food. I had roast beef and my friend had belly of pork. The waitress informed us they had no cauliflower cheese which we were disappointed about as that's my favourite. When the food arrived it was cold and my plate had rather a large chip around the edge I said it wasn't acceptable the food was cold so I sent it back i asked my friend if hers was OK she said it was but I dont think she really wanted to make a fuss. My friend then found some string on her plate which isnt acceptable a small child could have choked on this. When my food came back it was hotter but the plate was cold. The pub itself was pretty empty I always remember it being very busy Sunday lunch times. We mentioned to the waitress how we felt she said she would let the chef know. The waiting staff and bar staff were really friendly couldn't fault them whatsoever. I just feel this needs to be bought to the chefs attention.

Lovely, lively village pub, good beer! What's not to like!! Great food, too 😋

Really good choice of beer and classic pub grub to chose from

The red lion is always good. I have not stayed in the rooms but I know people that have and they say it is really nice! The pizzas are great! They are more expensive than the rest and don't expect service with a smile. It's not their way and never has been.

The whole family had fish and chips... it was the best ever fish and chips I ever had, fantastic....

Stopped for a quick bite foe lunch, fish finger sandwich which was god awful, and a baked potato with chilli which was twice as bad, eat elsewhere

A fantastic welcome matched by top drinks in the pub and a beautiful room. Very clean modern and comfortable, will definitely stay again, such good value.

We stayed in the garden rooms at the Red Lion and were very impressed with the quality of the accommodation. The room was spacious, well equipped, and comfortable. The bathroom was an excellent size with walk-in shower. Everything appeared relatively new and high quality. The pub team were also friendly and happy to help. We will certainly return when back in Cambridge.

Great service. The succulent fish and chips were among the best I have ever had. Great menu, good prices, great value for money. Thank you; really enjoyable. Mike.

Before arrival an on line Check is offered to help you along to the front desk regardless to once again present your second name as a key is required for entry. Maybe a reply of door key lock code entry would have been helpful but none received. Although this key dose come accompanied by a Pleasents and informative companion to direct you to your temporary stay door, so not all time is lost This Pilate person after gaining you entry will thus explain any queries with a light brief introduction of room and facilities is where the raised facts of my fault of my incompetent organising skills! Twin bed not romantic double. unhappy partner face. 😞 Still, a rescue of hero speed was mounted in are stead for meal to rectify my close to high Consequential mistake. Partner happy face 😬 Room is a big snug as bug type bedroom with imperative next door latrine accompanied by Shower hot wet room for clean happy persons. just a wee mould lingers too close to legs for comfort but not any risk of gangrene infection that could provide a trip to medical facility day out. Water glass divide is leaking towards main room door though. Still, maybe if controls for underfoot heating plus towel radiator was operative ( with accompanying batteries) an unwelcome few mould tiles would have be avoided. Just a little maintenance required needed, although cleaners are perfect, fast and reliable. This place offers parking if attainable, cars beware, although a free car park is a stone throw away. Allocated two position for electric cars but no allocation for your room stay????? Car remains still for safe parking so legs are main transport. perfect situated position for Cambridge, visiting by foot 1 hour 18 journey to st Edmonds collage, but bus for the can’t or can’t be bothered. Food was of highest home cooked standards, my compliments to the chef! Although instructions were shy on how to obtain this welcome sustenance. 20 mins after being sat dawn and left to fend for are selfs thirst encouraged the partner to visit the bar for first drink. It was then spied an A4 paper menu of available foods with samples of the tastes of them stained upon it! Salt only. Staff training would be good here. Just a brisk sneak across street, Tesco club card presented will be an equivalent ten pound ten drinks rather than high taxed not pub fault price alcohol for frugal natured drink enjoyers. They don’t seem to mind or they don’t know??? Maybe sssshhhhhhh!!!!! By the way If certain stuff light your table candle it’s not to make you feel at home or for romance reason, it’s for and I quote, “ it’s to help you spend your money” The person made us feel like are limited funds were the only reason they allowed us in the door. And don’t use pre covid on line service as encouraged after booking with a £5 spend. A certain candle lighter dose look dawn with on line saving orders and also makes debate regarding the order it self and likes to make shy of what you paid for. Lucky I had the downloadable receipt for nostalgic reasons or my one delivered drink for 2 would have been all i got and left out of pocket. No apology was made for this attempted drink snitching and in fact after a scraping of my paper receipt before are eyes just left with the words “no, you didn’t” Although still and had to really she return with my partners half of ale. Reluctantly. Again, staff training really needed. There for food and drinks for the rest of are visit ( two night) was else where. King William IV was the best pub and van for food you could eat inside was top quality, in fact one of cleanest kebabs I ever had. Truly it was like pubs use to be, everyone being sociable near an open firm, owners pleased to be part of the party. Don’t be put of by a few little faults for the Red lion of Histon. This place is still one of the Nice’s pubs around, sure one of the best looking with long history. Just a few loose ends that require nipping in the but for future survival of this long standing establishment.

Very popular place on friday night but easy to book a table. Great atmosphere and food was really good. Good selection of drinks and quaint pub.

Wow, what a Pub, amazing choice of Ales and a really vibrant, friendly atmosphere.

Staff were not very friendly. Kept me waiting for my drink. Very overpriced drinks. Will not visit again

Always warm and friendly with lovely drinks and food. Bar staff are lovely.

Stayed for a night whilst visiting relatives nearby. Very nice bedroom - well heated which was good because it was a really cold night. Bathroom was good with a nice size walk in shower. Large comfy bed. Good choice for a stopover and the pub was good too. Friendly staff.

Good pub but wouldn't recommend it as an event venue. Booked weeks in advance and enquired about food. Was told they dont do sandwiches (do for wakes but not for anything else) and also wouldn't allow ordering of outside food. Was told pizza oven *might* be on but never got this confirmed despite phoning and leaving messages to return my calls. Can rarely get to speak to a person at the pub always goes to answerphone. Had a good night but food choices on night limited to bowls of chips, not great if you want to hold a party. Staff efficient though and good drinks selection. I had even hired a band and told them I was happy for the pub to put this out as on their socials as it might bring in more people, they never bothered doing that either, got enough money I guess don't need any more business.

Lovely pub with lots of charm and character in a beautiful village. Very well located. Food was excellent and the staff were attentive, professional and friendly. Great experience. We'll definitely be back.

Booked here for a group of friends. Booking a table was easy through the website. When we arrived received a warm welcome from the bar staff, and shown to our table. Ordered and paid for food through QR code on the table. Food was really good and service was excellent. Will happily eat here again if in the area.

I heard a good, fun band (The Nearly New Romantics) here and thought it was a surprisingly good space for a little concert. The vibe was happy, and the staff and locals were all into the experience. There's a surprisingly good selection of beers and ales, too.

Good pub good selection of beers also stayed overnight in on site accommodation which was excellent,would not hesitate to recommend.

Best selection of beers I have ever seen 😍

Would be a great pub if they didn't have table booking was okay during covid but that was ages ago. I have been drinking there for five years but sorry had enough!

New Years Eve I booked a room, I frequent the pub quite often and it is by miles the best pub I've been in, without doubt you should visit, food and beer exceptional, as for the room, superb and for the price incredible. Highly recommended oh and the staff, Andy Ollie and the crew, my hat off to you all.

Nice food, ok service, not the cleanest look and feel interior + toilets smell pretty darn bad.

Always the choice after work. Could never complain. Recommend the beer festival as well. Also a good place for football viewing during international tournaments (if England are any good).

I loved the atmosphere and the food.

Had a great meal. Unfortunately the steak & ale pie which I wanted was off the menu, but had fish & chips instead. That was a thumbs up from both of us. Very friendly & helpful staff.

Really enjoyed our evening at the Red Lion last night. We are not from the area and the owner of the Airbnb where we were staying recommended this pub. Glad she did as the food was delicious and the atmosphere was fab. Live music, plenty of selection for food/drinks and all the staff were really welcoming and friendly.

Fabulous selection of well kept, beer served by staff who understand what they have on tap and how to pull it correctly into a glass

Hadn't been here for a long time but was pleased to find it is still a good destination. Interesting decor, good range of beer, loved the fish finger sarnie.

We have been at the Red Lion last summer a few times for sunday roast and it has always been fab! Unfortunately, today did not live to the expectations. We decided on a late lunch arriving at 13.30 ordered and sat in the garden. The pub was not too busy but our lunch took 45 minutes to arrive after I have asked if our or order would take much longer. Our plates were put together in a rush; my partner had 2 yorkshire puttings I had none. Vegetables were inedible. Potatoes rock solid, a few of the carrots burned and beef roast slices were couldn't be more dry! Very disappointing experience. Definetely not worth the £50!

Popped in on Saturday after a short walk nearby. Staff lovely and went over and beyond to look after us and everyone else.

Great pub in a lovely village. I stayed overnight. Good, clean accommodation. The room was comfy with plenty of space and a large bathroom. Staff were polite and helpful. Food was good too. All reasonably priced.

Exceptional steak, food, drinks and service 👌👌👌👌👌👌

I came up to Histon to meet friends and went to the beer festival a few weeks ago. What a brilliant place! Good service , good food and a good selection of interesting beers. I’d like to come back on an evening where there isn’t an event on as I think it would be a perfect winter pub!

Lovely Sunday roast, and fantastic service from Andy and Cheryl.

Lovely Sunday lunch. Generous portions, well cooked. Friendly welcome from Andy.

Fairly standard pub menu, but nicely cooked and friendly service. Excellent Old Brown Mouse ale.

Great room and excellent bar with a huge range of craft ales. No breakfast but there's a coffee shop (Stir) over the road which opens at 7:30

Un classico pub affollato ad ogni ora. Ambiente simpatico. Cibo discreto

A pint and some cheesy chip awesome 👍

The best real ale pub in Histon. Not only real ale , but foreign bottles lagers, and numerous ciders as well. Still in 2023 one of the best real ale pubs in the area. Great food as well. Do not miss their beer festivals with live music. The Haddenham Easyriders and Laz-E-Riders love this place. Tully on his 75th birthday had a chocolate Sunday on a Wednesday, so wrong!

40 mins to serve chicken winds to take away. They delivered to other table, deny it and not even apologize. Kudos to the waitress who gave gave me the food with the worst attitude I ever saw.

The Red lion in Histon is a fantastic place. The staff are friendly, and make you feel welcome. It's the kind of place you can go to and just relax and enjoy yourself. If you are going to eat I would recommend the chicken with the Korean sauce (be it the burger or the wings). And BTW they do a trivia evening on Tuesdays for charity.

Nice food, friendly service. Good quiz night on Tuesdays.

Met friends for drinks. Very comfy

A good classic pub with a good selection of beers.

Lovely pub, nice choice of beers, nice small menu. Rooms are at the back of the pub clean modern style rooms, staff are all friendly & helpful.

Fantastic place lovely food and polite staff. Stayed for a week here with the Mrs and the room was clean and comfy, hot shower etc. Can't ask for much more really. Lovely location too.

Lovely family meal here yesterday. Reasonably priced menu. Food was fantastic and the service was excellent. Dog friendly as well.

Great place to stay if you want to visit Cambridge but not stay in the city. The Red Lion rooms are apart from the pub so are very quiet. Great space, comfy huge bed, tea/coffee/biscuits/ toiletries all provided. The towels lovely and fluffy and the bathroom is amazing with underfloor heating and a great shower. Carpets could do with a clean but can see why hard to keep them pristine as you walk straight in from the pathway.

Great place to stay and great atmosphere in pub. Food was good and staff very friendly and welcoming.

Ordered fish n chips off the menu with peas and tartar sauce. Fish was delicious and chips were spot on but the peas were like bullets and there was no tartar sauce even though the pub is opposite a Tesco’s. I heard several customers ask where the tartar sauce was and the same waitress said to each customer I think we have just ran out. So disappointed they couldn’t get those 2 basic things right.

Our stay at the Red Lion was to get away, refresh, and recharge at the start of the new year, to get some quality time together before the hustle and bustle and back to work kicked in. We couldn't have picked a better place, the room was really comfy and cosy, with a massive bed and a tv which had some streaming/Internet too. The shower was really good, and the amenities clean and well thought out (a double plug either side of the bed etc). Staff were friendly, helpful, and dealt with a minor issue we had (due to me confusing the booking/payment details) in a prompt and courteous manner. Histon itself is a quiet and charming village, with a lovely cafe/coffee shop and a small tesco just across the road from the pub. We also enjoyed a really nice roast dinner on the day we arrived!

Lovely placed in the middle of the village. Big n airy room. Stayed there 6 nights. After 4 nights new towels n bedlinnen and also new towels n bedlinnen after 5 nights!! 😆 we will be back!!

the red lion room was very nice, large, clean and corresponds exactly at what we wished, close to our son who lives at Impington; otherwise, it's an authentic pub as we like it very much; we'll come back without any hesitation !! Sylvaine & Didier South France

The annex room was really good. Clean and functional. Unfortunately the food choices I chose from the menu were not available, so I had to go elsewhere.

We arrived around 3 hours prior to official check in time, we were made very welcome despite this. The young guy in the bar checked if room was ready for us, (which it was) offered help with bags etc. When we asked what we owed of the coffee we had whilst he had gone to check the room, he said not to worry about payment, this was such a lovely warm touch following the 3.5 hr drive.

By chance, I stopped here for lunch, with my dog. The lady at the bar was really welcoming. We sat outside near the road, but the lady showed us a large garden at the back. And she was very kind to the dog, even went to get a bowl with water. And then another dog loving staff member came out to say hello. And then another! The food was fine, and the chips were really outstanding.

Made us feel welcome as soon as we booked in, friendly staff all ways willing to help nice place to stay, clean only draw back they don't do breakfast. There's a healthy eating place opposite.

Good size room with nice big bathroom & comfy bed. The location was great just a short drive into Cambridge. We parked on the road as there was an event using the car park but this was fine. The only negative was the carpet was very stained which was off putting & the base of the mattress was also quite marked. The Wi-Fi also did not work well at all. The cafe Stir just across the road was great for breakfast & we had a lovely dinner at The Boot. Good value for being close to Cambridge

From the minute we hit the pub the welcome was warm and friendly. A great pub with a fabulous accommodation terrace at the back behind lovely planting. The room was spacious and welcoming. The bathroom was large and lovely. Histon was a gorgeous little village and we hope to return next year. Thank you. We highly recommend.!

We went here for a family meal, unfortunately we were seated in the restaurant where half way through our meal loud music was turned up (about 6.30) the speaker was above us making it hard to talk. We finished our drinks in the bar where...

Meeting with friends halfway between York and Kent. Wanted to stay near Cambridge but not in the city, and Histon was perfect. Lovely village, very easy to get to and lots of facilities within walking distance. The Red Lion, is a traditional but on trend...

The room in general was ok, the carpet was in a horrendous state. WiFi didn’t work - 1st world problem Food was just a deep fried mess - then again at least I managed to get some food , which seems to be a difficulty...

A nice spacious room with a good bathroom. The rooms are set back from the main pub so they are nice & quiet. Only one drawback - they don't serve breakfast. I would have thought that at least a cold Continental Breakfast could be offered....

Well,looking at all the feedback and seeing some good some not so good all I can say is FANTASTIC.Food was great ,accommodation was great really enjoyed ourselves.The quirkiness of the red lion didn't dissapoint,the staff were great with attention to detail.No problems at all.The only...

We stopped off here for lunch on a Saturday with our 2 young children. Immediately noticed how much character and history the pub had. Tidy and clean, very well kept. It’s nice when landlords take pride in their businesses. The beer garden looks well maintained...

Having dined at many City Pub Groups pubs, I booked the red lion for a Father’s Day lunch, expecting it to be to their usual standard. How wrong I was! The four of us arrived before our 1pm booking. There appeared to be no table...

I was visiting Histon, my birthplace, for the first time since 1995. Decided to stay overnight and The Red Lion had availability for when I wanted to go. On arrival, I was impressed by the kindness and friendliness of everyone. The room was clean, spacious...

We stayed in a modern, clean, pleasant room at the bottom of the beer garden. After each day of sightseeing we returned to the welcoming beer garden for a drink and to relax. A real gem.

One of, possibly THE BEST vegan roast dinner I have EVER HAD! Can't wait to come back and have it again soon! DELICIOUS! Also a very cool little pub with really interesting decorations! Staff were also very welcoming and friendly :-) LOVED IT AND HIGHLY...

Quiet country pub, well kept and very welcoming. Rooms were in a seperate annexe, well equipped, good size, clean and comfortable. Had a meal at pub also which was well presented, hot and good value.

Fantastic stay! My parents stay at the Red Lion for three nights and thoroughly enjoyed it, spacious room, v comfortable bed and huge bathroom. Highly recommended

Great pub lovely, accommodation ,great beer and friendly staff ,unfortunately to late to eat but had a good breakfast in the Bakery across the road.

Great spacious room, lush towels and bedding, and super friendly staff. Dinner was delicious, too. Highly recommended.

The room at the Red Lion was good for a relaxing sleep. I only stayed one night and wanted to be in Histon itself and was visiting the first little Cambridge Chocolate Festival down the road at the Smokehouse. as well as catching up with...

First class accommodation & lovely village pub..friendly staff & great food. Accommodation block at the back of the pub past the beer garden so no noise if you want a quiet one. Tesco express across the road. A few cafes around for breakfast. Really enjoyed...

Staff were unwelcoming Longhorn beef pie was just mince Cumberland sausage with peas and mash was 3 veggie microwaved sausages, about 10 peas and raw kale Visited this pub before and it was nice but never again Would not recommend

Good staff in a busy pub. The rooms were really nice - warm & comfortable large bed. Big bathroom with almost instant hot water. It was a shame that the majority of kitchen staff had gone off with covid but at least they had pizza...

The Sunday roast was one of the best Sunday roasts that i have had in a pub in years the quality flavour and quantity was superb. Waitresses and bar staff were amazing roast potatoes were also plentiful the sirloin beef was mouth watering thankyou for...

Really lovely place to stay. The room was really spacious and well decorated. It was clean and tidy. Ideal location too, lots of other pubs around and coffee shops, and great connections to get into Cambridge. We ate at the pub which was also really...

My family of seven ate at the Red Lion on the eve of my sons wedding, without exception we all enjoyed our food. There were enough dishes on the menu to cater for everyone in our party, ages ranging from 14 to 75. All dishes...

Decided to try The Red Lion Histon for breakfast this morning The breakfast was really good with good portion sizes with unlimited tea or coffee. It was excellent value for money and piping hot with a real home cooked flavour. Staff were attentive and served...

Super friendly village pub with rooms in the lovely village / suburb of Histon. Great links into Cambridge and the countryside on your doorstep. Rooms are new and separate to the pub at the rear of the pub garden. Separated from the garden enough not...

Tuesday evening drinks/meal. Ordered via the City Club app which is very straightforward . Decent range of beers . Food was fine for pub fayre. Service very prompt and polite.

For the past 20 years I would have said that the red lion was my favourite pub in Cambridgeshire but I'm afraid to say that I couldn't finish the burger and chips I had yesterday and my fellow diners were similarly unimpressed with their food....

We stayed Saturday the 14th at the Red Lion , the room was very good clean with first class facilities. We also had a meal and that was to a high standard . Cheryl was very helpful and introduced us to the City Club App...

I would like to thank Sheryl for our fabulous stay at the Red Lion in Histon. She was a warm, friendly and helpful manager who went out of her way to ensure we enjoyed our stay at her pub. Our rooms were clean and the...

We were shown to our room, which was excellent, light, airy and clean. The only problem was that the shower was in the bath and there was no a slip mat to use in it. Also there were no grab rails making it highly dangerous...

Had a poor experience in July last year but thought it worth another trip as everyone can have a bad day. I used to live this pub with a lovely beer garden and great indoor. Not to mention excellent beers. But again, poor customer experience,...

Even with covid restrictions, the staff made us feel very welcome, outstanding service and lovely food....

Covid has created much chaos this Christmas. My God-daughter Kimberley suggested we meet within the rules for a Christmas present exchange and dinner.. usually mine ... but at The Red Lion outdoor heated marquee. I have enjoyed the ales here many times before, as well as eaten. Some great and once a works do a couple of years back not that great made me think ok....Fabulous Roast Beef with Cauliflower Sauce for me and Chris, Roast Chicken for Kimberley and Fish fingers and chips with peas for their young daughter. Hot, nicely cooked and plentiful. The service for drinks and this was Covid safe, well organised and efficient. Attentive without being intrusive with a warm family feel for a small City Pub chain.Well done. Highly recommended.

We met a friend for sunday lunch and sat in the garden enjoying the last of the summer weather. The tables were socially distanced but the non-sequential numbering did cause some problems, with guests wandering around looking for their table.The table was booked for 1.00, however there were major problems with the app so it took until 1.40 to order anything, even drinks. The younger waitress couldn't help but her colleague was able to but you could sense her own frustration with the system, although pleasant throughout. It seemed mad that no orders could be taken unless via the app.When the food did turn up I had a surprise - the mushroom and cashew roast had turned into a curried cauliflower pie! I'm vegetarian so the pastry wasn't an issue but not sure a vegan would have been impressed. I mentioned it to the younger waitress but there was no reaction. Anyway it tasted great as did the roast chicken and beef burger ordered by the other guests.One other comment - why no coffee? Is this a new thing, since the pandemic? Not having been to the pub before I'm not sure.If you're in Histon, it's certainly worth trying but hope they're a bit more organised.

We met with friends in the garden. They have an app for ordering drinks and served us very quickly. There was a one way system through the pub and the food was really good - large portions. We didn't realise that they were continuing the eat out to help out discount.

Booked an outside table. Food was delivered hot and on time. Staff wore masks and the tables were socially distanced. Paper menus, we used an app to order and pay so very well organised.

The Red Lion in Histon has been and should be one of the best beer pubs in Cambridgeshire. Having visited the pub, on and off for 20 years it’s a shame that it seems to have forgotten what made it a success. Beer!Sure, life is different and I’m sure difficult in the hospitality industry now, but I’d have thought that would make pub owners strive harder to get their offering right. Whereas in the past you could chose from 6 or 7 quality real ales - they now offer three fairly similar and fairly bland options. The Quality beers and variety have gone entirely and been replaced with bland. On the plus side the staff are lovely and the landlady pulls all of the strings with flair (and it must be difficult at the moment) - also the food is really good pub grub and the pizza was excellent until it disappeared from the menu. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays - seems strange given government support during Monday to Wednesday. Last orders at 9.30pm during the week is bonkers. The other pubs in town must be happy though. This used to be a privately owned, beer drinkers paradise - but it’s losing its way.

Shame as this used to be an excellent pub. Came here and was told it was app service only. Ok. So download the app and order. Order rejected. Despite putting red lion in.Too much hassle to get served so missed out on a meal for 4 and 9/12 drinks. Appreciate times are different but everywhere else offers table service or bar service. No hassles. Plus, all the other pubs we have been to have been friendly and welcoming. Dont mind having to queue or do things slightly differently but service here was frosty. Have had some great times here in the past and was one of my top 5 pubs in Cambridge area but gone downhill massively with this. Seriously. How difficult is it is for someone to come to table and do table service until we get back to normal.

Back to Histon this week and thought we would try the red lion. We hadn't booked but the staff were very accomodating. First off the beer choice is simply superb. Tom the manager knows his stuff and his passion for the place shines when talking to him. He was quite happy for us to try samples of the beer before we commited. I had the Elgoods and it was top notch.We had the roast dinners and they too were excellent. The chicken was plentiful and well cooked and the beef was full of flavour. All the accompanying items were also very tasty and plenty of veg. Will definitely return and recommend to friends.