The Red Lion in Bedford

Excellent to have our local reopen again . Like normal excellent service nice to have a landlord that genuinely cares about his business the man never stops working . Great team felt safe with Covid restrictions. Would just be great if the pay at table app was more consistent to help take the pressure off the waiting staff .

Had a great time, felt safe staff were excellent, specially Tasha very friendly polite lady, great customer service. Highly recommended for meal out.

We had Sunday lunch here the Acting manager was great and clearly explained Covid Rules .Service was good and we all enjoyed our meal very good value for money Thank you

We’ve been here a few times, but this was our first 2020 visit .... overall it was good; the food was a little disappointing but great thanks to the manager for explaining all the vigorous good rules during this pandemic. I was very impressed by how this pub is running compared to others I’ve visited during covid. There was one member of staff serving All of us and she was a very cheerful lady considering , helped out where necessary by the manager so we got our meal quickly. We didn’t really get what was described on the menu (I ordered a sizzler steak but it was all served on a normal plate for instance). My boyfriend was missing a few bits from his mixed grill.... but all in all, a pleasant afternoon lunch... and we got it half price as the eat out to help out scheme had been extended thankfully

Terrible food. Awful attitude and expensive for what it is. Locals who’ve didn’t s firtj r are turned away and priority given to strangers

I'd not go back. Meal very disappointing, if I'd gone on a day of "eat out to help out" I could forgive it a little but it was a Thursday...

Came in for a drink with my boyfriend and a manager explained the social distancing rules to us. He was very rude as I asked a question. He told me that if I wait and let him finish I will know what’s going on. Bar staff rude too. Won’t be back again. It was our first time here.

Been here few times and was ok but on last 3 times the food wasn't cooked or wrong food on plate,wasnt hot enough, it wasn't great at all. Place seems so busy never enough staff who are hit n miss with you. Couple disabled car spaces. Not that great wheelchair access as you got steps to go up but they do have a ramp but it's close to other tables n kitchen door. Toilets aren't very clean. It needs to shut down n gut it out n updating, change staff who want to work there as its a nice place n get good management, chef n this place be good again n we will come back.

Post lockdown this pub is extremely well organised and explained. You get a table inside which allows you a table outside but you don’t lose the indoor one. The rules are explained clearly. Service is quick and efficient, and you can order from the table in the restaurant side.

Every precaution has been taken to make the venue a safe place to go and enjoy a nice meal. Enjoyed the new elements on the menu. Well Done Danny the Landlord

I was visiting my family in the small village of Elstow and i used to drink in here. I thought i would pay a visit and have a meal and a drink with my family. I have to say what a change it has done since i was last here in 2017. I noticed how the pub is lot cleaner and more presentable. I had a meal which was very nice. There was not a long wait and staff was very efficient. The food came was very hot and tasted nice My aunt was a vegetarian and it had a good veggie selection too. We stayed for drinks and it was very quick. Danny was very friendly and asked how our meal was. Is this a new management? I will happily be coming back.

We have previously been here and it was disappointing. However we went over Christmas and new management have taken over. The Pub was very clean and well laid out. The Staff were friendly and welcoming. We had an excellent meal and the portions were ample and more than usual in a Pub at this time of year. We would highly recommend a visit

Wednesday night one poor girl behind the bar all on her own on her own taking food orders making coffees doing alcoholic drinks not stopped sat here watching a pint has never lasted me so long.I have been here over an hour no management here busy time I waited 20 minutes for a beer very sad that staff are treated so diabolically it’s not the girls fault just serious mis management

What a lovely place. Since the new manager Danny has taken over this place has become a favourite. We were a party of 20 and everybody loved it. The service and food were second to none and the staff were lovely. Well done the Red Lion

Ordered a vegiterian burger with vegan bun & jacket potato. Service was quick, plates hot, food inedible- they only had knives & forks, must have forgotten to provide the hammer & chisel!!Took the food back & asked for a refund- had to wait for the “manager” who was wearing a chefs outfit & stood nervously grinning. Did get a refund but no apology of any kind. Suggested they actually taste their own food.Whoever has taken this lovely pub over is running it on a shoestring. I saw 2 kids serving beer & food & the “manager/ chef/general dogsbody “ doing everything else.What a shambles. Being local to the village it has always been a convenient cheap & cheerful pub & good value for money. Will not be going back ther in a hurry.

My friend and i had lunch here yesterday 13/09/19 (first time), Ordered drinks and paid for food and decided to sit out side as it was a lovely day! Our food arrived with just one steak knife, I asked for knives and forks also for salt and pepper, Unbeknown to us you had to get yourself! However one of the waitresses only had one plate in her hand! she could of on the way out to us bought some condiments! My friend went back in for what we needed.... LAZY STAFF ... The food was not much better, I had steak which was tough and full of grizzle ... On the way out and referring to lazy staff who were all talking behind the bar! This pub could do way better if owners looked at their lazy staff and cook, I will not refer to this person as a chef as they would not know the meaning of the word, I would not go there again as food and staff were dreadful... My usual place was closed hence going to this dump... Owners wake up as you could do so much better with NEW staff and NEW cook. I personally would turn this place into a thriving busy family place which would be cared for and customers would want to come back.

Visited red lion on a sunny Friday evening. We enjoyed some lovely cocktails in the huge garden. Kate the landlady was very friendly and welcoming as always. Great pub with a nice atmosphere!

Went to meet friends and this pub is central to us. I will not be returning again. All order at the same time, not many people in eating, still took 40 minutes for someone to come and tell us there were no jacket potatoes and could i order something else, she didn't bring a menu, so i had to guess what i wanted. Took a further 10 minutes for 2 meals to come out and then another 8 minutes for the remaining meals. We then ordered desserts all of which icecream based, 45 minutes and no food, asked where it was and they were then funalkt brought out with an excuse that they didn't have any sundae glasses so they had to be washed and cooled.. 2nd 2 desserts a good 5 minutes later minus the strawberries, i asked for napkins to be told you can get them round the corner.. poor poor service, food not worth the wait and poor excuses given for the long delays. Never again! Avoid this place if you want a nice meal!

We Where a party of four, my wife and daughter had to choose 3 times as so many dishes where off (this included roast beef ON A SUNDAY)Food delivery was slow, but always has been.One starter arrived with Mains (garlic bread which we thought they had put on the Share platter)On a table by the kitchen doors, the door closer on the in door is not working as it slams every time someone goes through it.Chef shouts that food is ready but staff unlike guests are rarely in range.food was ok and not a bad price.like a lot of places could do with more staff and a manager to organise them

Sitting down to a sticky table is never a good start. The menu's were also covered in the remanants of food and drink. Food took 40 minutes to arrive and looked as uninspiring as it tasted. Bar staff were nice and chatty when they took our order, but the food server appeared truely fed up with her lot. Won't be going again, gone downhill in the last 12 months.

Usually give 5 stars to the Red lion. Food very reasonably priced. However tonight was the exception.I chose cauliflower and sweet potato katsu curry never tasted or seen anything like this before it was the eorst meal ever so I complained. They did replace my meal with haddock and chips which was okay. So suprised as the food is usually good but don't know what happened there tonight.

Service can be slow if they are busy. You have to go to the bar to place your order and get your drinks. They do need more staff on the bar at times.

We had a lovely lunch here yesterday.Good tasty food at amazing prices - southern chicken wrap with salad/chips,burger and chips,pint of doom and a pint of lime and soda. £13.00 Excellent value and the decor looks nice.

Well it's only that it's cheap with a voucher that I do go there. Staff just walk pass you, ignore you and leave you at the bar waiting to be served for ages. The phone was ringing behind the bar for at least 10 minutes with no one answering it! The food is sometimes ok but today was total rubbish, rock hard chips and a wafer thin over done steak that was full of gristle! We always say hello and goodbye, but they never say hello or goodbye back, well that's typical Bedford manners that is! If you put all of the staff together in one, you wouldn't find a brain cell between the lot of them as they are so thick! We always have to get there early, as when it gets busy, it's a total shambles in waiting and quality and you definitely won't want to eat there!!!!

went for an evening meal with family and other visitors. as we walked in, there was several tables un cleared and dirty, we sat at a table and tried to flick the crumbs off then the menu was all wet, we looked around but could not see any waitress, went to order the food, there was a girl behind the bar eating something, it was not even busy. very slow service, asked for someone to clean table and waited a long time then we asked again, there was no sauces or napkins we had to ask for these, the food arrived, it was good but very poor portions, it was a disgrace as I am a local resident and had visitors with me. wont be going back again.

Been avoiding this place but decided to give it a go yesterday at 6pm and well what a transformation made welcome and the food was outstanding

Went today 8/5/19 with my friend for my birthday was nice + quite meal i had was very nice we had cheesecake for dessert lovely i did hv a vocher for a free drink but it wont come off at till lady behind bar said lots of ppl have had trouble with vochers

Very unpleasant place.i wait 20 minutes just to order the food only one person at the till.very dirty and when I have to ask 3 times to clean the table and still they left the dirty cutlery from previous customer.never again

I visited here for a meal with friends. Staff were friendly and helpful. I was able to order quickly and food arrived about 15 minutes later. A nice venue for a meal out.

Have been to this pub for lunch several times before but today was a very disappointing experience. They were evidently short on staff but quite honestly I think it would have been better if they had not opened at all . Four of us arrived quite early at 12 noon and at that time there were very few people in,however when placing our order we were told there was a thirty minute wait for food and that the fish cakes and fish and chips were off the menu.

Very unfortunate as this could be a lovely pub gone downhill under new management. No children allowed at the front the of the pub only in the restaurant so if you wanted just a drink you have to sit among the diners. Very bad attitude of staff. I would not recommend to anyone to visit. Food is disgusting

The Slow Roasted blade of beef was very poor; fatty and with spices which weren’t on the description. Kids Sunday Chicken also poor as chicken was dry. Chicken tikka masala was good. Felt very sorry for the woman behind the bar who was on her own on Sunday lunchtime.

I arrange a get together for past and present work friends. I invited 13 and 11 said they could come. On the night we came in at 5.50pm for a 6pm table. They only booked it for 6? So we had to wait for her to put tables together. A a couple didn't show and two had family commitments, so there was 8 of us. It took forever to order as no one on food ordering station, I had to wait at the bar. Food turned up promptly and all enjoyed it. All had desserts and all enjoyed it. Good service from waitresses, just too young to serve behind bar. Good price too, it was cheaper than we has worked out due to their offers.

Lovely food lovely staff ☺️ I had the burger, Chips, And drink deal defiantly worth the money. Staff was polite and lovely, Food didn’t take too long, Waitress was lovely and polite will revisit

Poor welcome we stood at side bar for ages before we were ushered to main bar, no sign to say not open or any indication.

GORGEOUS.. eaten here twice in a week with the latest being for a festive meal, the food again was stunning. THANK YOU. The bar was a little slow at serving, due to some staff phoning in sick but the staff were extremely busy and were coping well and still managing to smile. Thank you guys for making our evening very special

This place is disgusting. All DESSERTS ARE MICROWAVED!. Barley anything fresh. Management is DISGRACEFUL this place needs food hygiene people to come in KNIFES AND FORKS SO DIRTY. MANAGER DRINKS ALCOHOL WHILE A 16 YEAR OLD APPRENTICE RUNS AROUND. I asked him if he was ok but nearly started bursting into tears because he was doing too MUCHH Disgraceful. Management ALWAYS HAVING BREAKS whilst they leave young apprentices it looks like on the floor absolute just pure evil DO NOT GO HERE THIS NEEDS TO BE SHUT DOWN!!!!.

It had been an extremely long time ago when we last visited this establishment for lunch. Despite a refurbishment it looks almost the same as it was and then we were not impressed.

I came here with my family just for a desert, and we have waited over an hour for 3 ice creams!! Ridiculous! This is our 3rd time in a row that we have had issues here now.

We used to go to The Red Lion all the time, but after our recent experience we won't be going back for a long time. After ordering 3 meals, 2 arrived at the table. We waited 10 minutes then asked where the 3rd one was to be told it had been sent to the wrong table. We asked to see the manager and the shift supervisor came over, completely uninformed and disinterested in our problem. The waiter was blamed for the problems and not once was an apology forthcoming. When the 3rd meal arrived the others around the table had finished, making it a very poor experience. While we got a refund for two of our meals, the staff's attitude and rudeness have put us off what was a one time a great restaurant

Went for a cheap and cheerful lunch with friends and all the kids. Burgers were alright, chips were a bit over cooked, steak came out cremated first time and still mooing the second time but eventually got a medium steak! Was told there was no ice cream which caused massive disappointment with the kids then when their cake came it had ice cream with it fairly long wait for food seeing as the place was quiet. But you do get what you pay for!

Wife had Baked Potato with Tuna, and I had Chicken with mushroom and cheese sauce with mash & peas.

Visited this restaurant with a couple of friends for lunch. It is typical pub food,if you want cheap and cheerful wth no pretensions then this is the place for you. My gammon was very salty but apart from that meal was quite acceptable.

The staff were lovely and very friendly, the food was good and the prices even better. Great value for money, will definitely be going back! Also the staff give out cards which give you a little freeby on your next visit if you leave a little review ;)

Meal with the family. Terrible from start to finish. Missing food, no cutlery, over cooked all over the mushrooms and onions looked liked they were cooked the day before and the kids rice was so over nuked it was in clumps. No toilet roll in any toilet, not good with a 4 year old who leaves everything until the last minute! Door in toilet also didnt shut. Staff friendly and looked sympathetic but no real apology made. Dont waste your money. Its one of those places you forget how dire it is until you return!

We stopped here on a quiet Tuesday afternoon was served by a miserable bar lady who took our order. We sat awaiting our food after 30mins I decided to ask how long it would be, the lady went to the kitchen but didn’t come back to me to let us know what was happening she went back to the bar so I asked again and she said she had found our receipt for food but unfortunately it hadn’t printed off in the kitchen so they hadn’t received it! I said we would leave it there and take a refund we didn’t have to time to wait around any longer, a refund was raised hope it doesn’t take to long to hit my account no apology no nothing. After reading the other reviews I almost feel glad i didn’t get food!!

We always visit this pub whenever we are in Bedford. The service and food are normally good to excellent.

We are frequent customers to this pub and used to love the food and customer service, but over the last couple of months, the food has been overcooked and service horrendous! There was yelling and crying coming from the kitchen and staff looking miserable! We won't be going back for a long time.

Bar service was very slow and then when being served the lady stopped half way through to start looking up on the till another order for another staff member. I felt it was rude as there wasn’t any acknowledgment.

We went with our family on Sunday afternoon, and it was not a busy as thought it would be, had to wait a while to be taken to our table as there was not any staff around. But once we had ordered the food came out quite, The only meal which was a bit disappointing was the Sweet and sour chicken as it had to may onions on it and not a lot of rice. All remaining meal were very good, scampi & chips, american platter and the very large mixed grill, well worth the money. The new menu is good lots to choose from. But still the staff could do with more customer service training, as a pub staff trainer my self they need to be trained to be more friendly and more visible, the cutlery needs to be put on the tables as soon as the table is cleaned ready for the next customer and checked to make share it is all clean, they also should do table checks after the food comes to the table to make sure all is well and more chatty.

Great pub, lovely refurb! Food was very good value, we had to wait around 20 minutes as the pub was very busy but we were informed when we ordered and totally understandable due to the volume of people ordering. Staff very knowledgeable and polite, keep up the good work guys!

the food was ok. it is cheap and cheerful pub food. however, I was left fuming by the attitude of the bar staff. I waited at the bar for 10 minutes. staff came and went. they saw me but didn't even acknowledge my existence. they only needed to say "I'll be with you in a minute or two" but they chose to ignore me. they carried on serving the regulars around the corner. they came to my side of the bar to pick up drinks from the fridge, then headed back to the other part. ( continuing to ignore me).eventually I went round to the other part of the bar and asked if anyone could come to serve me as I had been stood there for so long. I was told that I needed to be where THEY were serving in order to get served.( the bar has two parts that are on right angles to each other. ) I was then served very brusquely by the bar maid , who neither looked me in the eye, apologised, nor managed any kind of smile, however insincere it may have been. if I were her manager, I would certainly tell her to change her attitude. she was not alone, as the other serving staff also had plenty of opportunity to serve me but chose not to. maybe its because I'm not regular enough. with service like that, I'm not likely to be.

The pub has had a re-vamp, new carpets, tables, chairs etc

We visit here quite regularly for dinner. Tasty pub food at a good price! I love the sizzling plate of chicken and ribs. Really tasty and filling. Arrives at the table quickly if you're in a rush.

My wife and I popped into the Red Lion on spec whilst visiting my daughter. Expected the usual British pub but was very surprised by the amount of space, seating and in the conservatory area, the nice outlook. Catering for most tastes, I found the menu clear and acceptable, and the Golden Age menu (older folk), extremely good value. Ordering at the bar was simple, the wait time acceptable and the presentation good. The food was really good, adequate portions and well cooked. My daughter had visited before and claims that it is always good. My wife and I now know where we will eat when visiting our daughter.