The Red Lion in Braintree

Friendly staff, nice, clean establishment. However, closes early on a Sunday afternoon, not open Mondays, not even bank holiday. Not good if you are cycling or walking and find the bar is closed when you get there!

Superb service, food and lovely atmosphere. Will go again :-)

We loved the place, the staff was very kind and the food was delicious 🤤

Not only did they refuse someone with a driving licence for ID they spoke to them as if they were the dirt on the floor, A disgusting attitude that do not deserve new customers

5 star all round . We moved into the area over a year ago and saw a post on Facebook from the Red Lion . So we gave it a go and it was the best decision we made . Service was perfect very friendly and accomadating but no rush . The food was lovely. Fish was fresh and fell apart the chips were crispy and not greasey. The sticky toffeee pudding was ample and the perfect finish . We will be back . Thank you

8pm on a Wednesday night & turn us away. !!

Great choice of food even on a Sunday. We had a lovely Sunday Roast, perfectly cooked ...the pork belly especially, was amazing. Great service and really enjoyed it.

Not too warm on a cold damp day. Having the battered fish served with the skin on is always disappointing. To leave this quick review requires this last sentence.

I took my family for my daughter’s birthday lunch, we had mackerel pate & toast & a selection of roast dinners. The toast was burnt & like charcoal, we asked for replacement toast, but the taste of charcoal was hard to get rid of. The burnt toast had been placed burnt side down to hide it. The roast meals had soggy roast potatoes, parsnips & carrots, absolutely disgusting. We waited 30mins to have the plates taken away, we had to ask for the table to be cleared. The waitress came a started to the plates & cutlery away, she dropped a knife twice on to my son in law splashing gravy all over his clothes. The knife narrowly missed my 2year old granddaughter, Twice!!! I can honestly say that the whole experience was awful & the food was awful!!!

Enjoyed a lovely valentines meal with my partner. The food was excellent. The menu had a reasonable amount of choice and was good value. It was the service though that helped make the occasion feel special. Very warm and welcoming, while looking after dietary needs. Thanks

Called in here today for a lunch with a friend, the car park was half flooded as we’d had heavy rain, we parked where it was dry & went into the bar, we were told we couldn’t park where we had as they’d got deliveries. We swiftly left & went elsewhere for a lovely lunch. No way to treat customers!

Called in for a lunch with a friend, the car park was flooded due to heavy rain so we parked in the only dry spot, went into the pub & was rudely told we couldn’t park where we had as they’d got deliveries, we left &got a lovely lunch elsewhere. There were only 6 people in the pub so they obviously didn’t want our custom.

Family meal for our Mum's birthday. Mum was welcomed with a "Happy Birthday." Food was lovely - really nice pork belly. Service excellent, ending with the servers singing Happy Birthday at the end and then a chat with the owners before we left. A very nice evening!

We usually arrive muddy after a walk in need of a lunch and a drink, we are always met with such friendly smiles and are made to feel very welcome. This time we got dressed up and went out for the evening. The same amazing service greeted us. The landlady is so friendly and kind,nothing is too much trouble. The food is always great and they add a personal touch for special occasions. No visit is complete without a little time with Nora too! Always a pleasure to visit!

Fantastic pub. The food was gorgeous and service was excellent. Everyone was polite and helpful. Fab atmosphere and very clean Good value for money

Amazing roast dinner, dog friendly so no need to leave your pooch at home. Service incredible, staff can't do enough to help, including treats for the pooch. Beer in good condition and the ambience just right.

Very friendly staff and good choice on menu.

Nice food with a good menu of choices. Portions on the small side for both of our meals.

Lovely pub, food good, staff were lovely and professional and helpful, will definitely be back.

The Red Lion pub, with its cozy and welcoming, very dog friendly atmosphere, served as the perfect backdrop for a fantastic festive meal. The food was exceptional, with each dish being a delightful blend of traditional flavors and creative culinary twists. The staff were not only efficient but also genuinely warm and friendly, making us feel like part of the Red Lion family. This combination of delicious food and wonderful service made our Christmas meal at The Red Lion a memorable one.

Very good service very good food and very dog friendly

We were a group of 18 people who pre ordered a Christmas Meal. On arrival we were led to a table in a U shape, which was a bit tight for some to sit, but we all managed to squeeze in. Drinks were ordered at the bar and food was served as soon as everyone were sat and ready to go. Food was in my opinion good and tasty. The starters portions were on the small side. For a Christmas Meal, the price was reasonable. The atmosphere was Ok and everything ran smoothly. An enjoyable evening.

Food was precooked, OK. Service fine..

Really not great , food was poor and poor value.

So easily could have been five stars across the board as food was very good. However, although the girls serving were very polite, they have to deliver the message from the kitchen regarding not being able to order mash with a pie instead of chips and not allowed to serve extra gravy. We were told they prepare exact portions for each meal choice so cannot give away the mash that is designated to a different meal choice. No extra gravy as they make enough to go in the pies and no more. The pub advertises home cooked food - well peel a few spuds and make some more mash! Chuck some bisto in a jug and make some gravy! Never had this is any other restaurant so it’s disappointing to see a pub that has such good food let down by expecting guests to eat what the pub decides rather than giving the customers what they themselves choose to eat and are paying for - disappointed ☹️

We phoned up at the last minute to book in a family of 4 as we had been let down by another restaurant, and they were happy to fit us in around 20 mins later. Restaurant full but relaxed. Food was served very prompt, with everything hot, fresh, and tasty. The family favourite was the sticky toffee pudding, which was 👌 amazing. Thank you for a lovely evening

We have been coming here once a month for just over a year as a girls get together catch up. We are aware of the early closing of 10pm. Food was excellent as usual. But the issue we had was being constantly chased by staff, on this occasion, one of our party was a little late for our booked time of 7.30pm. Staff came over and said we needed to order soon as kitchen was closing this was 7.40. At 9.10 staff came and asked us to pay as till was closing. At 9.30pm we were basically told to leave as they were closing. We were outside in the car park at 9.40pm when all the staff left, the doors were locked and the car park lights turned off, leaving us in total darkness. On getting home I checked the opening times and they still stated10pm as closing. We were a little disapointed, as we felt our night out had been tainted by the pressure to hurry up our evening. We would have spent more on further drinks and maybe desserts, had we not been chased out the door.

I’m an enthusiastic supporter of new ventures and this was the fourth visit in a year but each one has been a little disappointing. Unfortunately, this visit was probably our last. Everyone makes mistakes, but serving undercooked gammon feels like an unforgivable error. I really don’t know what they could have done to rectify the situation to encourage a re-visit. I didn’t want to write this review, but I felt it needed to be written

Gorgeous pub, the ambiance is so perfect. Comfy seating and candles, I enjoyed my visit.

I visited as a group of four and loved it. Nice big table, good food, fantastic service, and all inside a lovely old building. I wasn't sure what to expect but would visit again if in the area

Comfortable country pub. Pleasant staff and flavoursome food. Enjoyable visit. Would have appreciated a managerial welcome and goodbye.

A little on the expensive side but overall it was a very good experience. Great waitress/bar staff .. very attentive 5🌟 stars

Today after 4.5 years we pop in to the Red lion. The food was Amazing and staff fantastic.... We will be back soon!! Try steak ale pie or fisherman's pie amazing!! Wine fantastic Italian wine primitivo Thanks for the team and "NORA" to look after us

First time at the pub went with friends arrived at 7.30pm , food was rushed and the service, hadn't finished our starter and were told our mains were ready. We had just finished our sweet and were told we would have to leave by 10pm it was 9.40pm, as they were closing, not offered more drinks or coffee, then the bill arrived, very rude. Will not return and will pass this onto our friends.

Visited a week ago with family. Excellant food and service, will visit again soon 🙂

Great Sunday lunch with family, excellent food and wonderful service, recommended

Lovely venue for a family or otherwise to dine. A very comprehensive menu covering all preferences. Service was excellent and the food quality was first rate. A great range of drinks.

Had a very nice lunch, very good service

Had a lovely roast here for my birthday on Sunday. Not only was the food abosolutely delicious but I was most impressed with the team. All the staff were so friendly and attentive alongside the fantastic owners. Thank you.

If you're looking for a restaurant that's runs off rations like world war two! Then sturmer lion is definitely the place for you! I spent just under £200 this evening and my partner ordered a steak which was £26 pounds and asked for a egg which he was quite happy to pay for! They said they couldn't do a egg as all their meals are rationed imagine a person who has a dietary requirement they certainly wouldnt cater for you! I go to order another drink and they said that would be our last drink as we was rude as we asked for another egg and my partner was not rude towards the waitress although a little annoyed an egg was to much hassle and did make a little joke although they where already making a egg for my child's gammon. I will be taking my business elsewhere now! I hope someone new takes over the pub who are people friendly and appreciative of local people spending money! Bar currently being run by 18 year olds who know nothing about pouring a pint and usually pour it a inch under. 😆😆

Came for lunch and sat down food was over priced and also there was a lady in her middle age late 50s very rude I think it was the manager she needs to work on her pepole skills or be re trained will not be coming two this pub again .

Food was mostly forgettable, roast potatoes were extremely salty. We have dined there previously and had better quality food.

Had a Sunday roast in here about 2 weeks ago and to say it cost us £72 for 2 of us was extortionate in comparison to the quality of food. The woman behind the bar has quite a bad attitude, she seemed overwhelmed and it came across as rude. Plenty of better places to go

Lovely little pub and great to sit outside with the dog 🐕

Excellent Sunday lunch - freshly prepared food beautifully presented by attentive and friendly staff. Our three courses and drinks arrived promptly. Large portions, interesting starters and desserts, choice of three different roasts with fresh vegetables, roast potatoes, yorkshire pudding, lean and tender meat and extra gravy. Relaxing venue with large car park. Highly recommended.

It was my nans 91st birthday and they were absolutely amazing, we were all too full for dessert after the amazing food but they still brought a little scoop of ice cream with a candle for her. Staff were amazing and so friendly - they also had a beautiful garden where I will definitely come back and have a drink! Couldn’t recommend enough :)

Not first visit. Great food. Reasonable prices..

4km walk to the pub and refuse to be served (asked only for drinks for my kids). Only pre-booked inside!!! Beer garden was empty. New rules every week. 1 week ordering food/drinks outside no problen next week not allowed.

What I think was the manager (older dark haired female) was the RUDEST most CONDESCENDING & PATRONISING person I’ve ever met i my life. She spoke to my wife like she was a piece of dirt from her shoe. Just because she couldn’t accommodate a buggy in an empty pub??? I wish I could give less stars. What an incredibly horrible witch. Avoid avoid avoid!!!!!

Told it was a restaurant not a pub was asked to leave 3 of us sat outside on a sunny Friday night. We would of sat there buying drinks more drinks.we where told to leave it was before 10pm very rude

Fantastic village pub a stone's throw away from town. Great destination for a summer drink or a lunch nibble. Easily accessible from the old railway line allowing you to recharge on a relaxing walk or cycle.

Went for lunch today -burgers and stuffed aubergines were huge! Beautiful location, inside or outside seating. Polite, helpful staff. Great portion sizes. Definitely worth a visit.

LOVE this pub. We call in every now & again for a beer but today we stopped for food too. Their vegetarian options are plentiful & varied, no spinach & ricotta cannelloni in sight! Delicious & freshly cooked, generous portions too. The team is welcoming & warm, efficient & friendly. Even Nora, the pub dog! Visit & make your own mind up. It's a gem with lots of heart & soul

Argument started just as we arrived and told there is board outside with instructions on, instead of being advised politely! Told them our table number but got this mixed up but not told that food was placed outside as we were playing with children in the grounds so got our food cold! I went into speak with manager only to get a tirade of verbal abuse, very worrying especially as I was advised on leaving the pub that she’s like that to everyone who asks for help by another punter. Food was partially inedible under/overcooked supermarket fodder and beer was mediocre and expensive for the area. All in all, an overpriced menu, manager and bar staff rude and unpleasant and bad atmosphere all round. It was much better with old management and not the Faulty Towers that’s in place now…but suffice to say we will not be returning anytime soon!

Went for Sunday lunch and was very impressed. Food was delicious and plenty of it. No wait at all for the dinner to be served and the same for the deserts. Never had such quick service before. Would highly recommend this restaurant. Staff were very friendly and helpful.

Went for a lovely walk with the dog and maybe a cool beer and Aperol or two in their fabulous garden 🙂 Even had some treats for the dog 🐶 #dogfriendly #theredlionsturmer

Had a lovely lunch here with my family today. Excellent fresh food, great service and just an all round pleasant experience.

Good food, friendly staff . Recommend Sunday lunch good value

Lovely Anniversary/Sunday Lunch. Welcoming Landlady and attentive friendly Staff. Excellent food, good portions and great value. Free drinks as it was our Anniversary, which was a lovely touch. Will return again, many thanks.

Visited with my Husband for Anniversary/Sunday Lunch. Very welcoming Landlady and attentive Waitresses. Lovely food, good portions and great value. Free drinks for our Anniversary too. Highly recommended.Thank you so much.

Excellent meal and friendly staff.

Just had a drink there, but it's a very nice pub,will go back for food

Went there for a roast, nice place but it was low quality food, it didn't reflect the price at £16

Popped in 4 a pint and a half,great ambience and a laugh

Used to enjoy going to this pub for lunches and the pub garden in the summer. Been here a few times recently and decided we won’t be back. Staff are rude, the young girls muttering under their breath, the landlady asking us to leave as they had other people booked. Understandably on this occasion it was Christmas time, but after a group of us spending lots of money on drinks, starters, mains and desserts you’d think they’d be a bit more accommodating. Meals were standard, not possible to change anything, which I found odd. Portion sizes quite small for the price. Drinks were all nice.

Excellent food and service, very friendly staff

After having a really lovely lunch we decided it would be perfect for an anniversary meal with friends but oh no! This pub will only except bookings of a maximum of 8. They will not even split the party over 2 tables! This rule is set in stone like one of the commandments! I find it incredulous that they are willing to turns away potentially £400 of business. Shall definitely not return or recommend. Suggest you make this ‘rule’ very clear on your website to avoid disappointment.

Sadly this cosy-looking (inside and out) old-World appearance was a massive disappointment; drink selection (especially real ales) very limited. We both ordered Fish Pie that came with 'Greens' - upon their arrival both were dry underneath the tasteless mash on top (mash virtually no flavour)....

I'm a coeliac and they offer a very good choice of gluten free menus. The chef was extremely helpful and talked through the menu with me. I choose a delicious vegetarian curry. My friends had the fish and chips, also gluten free and also very...

The atmosphere of this pub is lovely. Had not been here for 3 years until a couple of weeks ago. Staff pleasant. BUT the food was presented as if it was the amount for a child. Ghastly considering the prices of everything. The pastry on...

Arrived 5pm on weds .Says open 12 till 10pm. Lights on. Waited outside for ten minutes with another 10 customers. Doors locked . No explanation despite staff inside kitchen. They obviously don't want our business .

Absolutely wonderful. The owners and staff are kind, fun, and helpful. The food is delicious and the cocktails are perfect. The best pub around.

Had a lovely meal and drinks at The Red Lion. A good selection of pub food to choose from. Very attentive staff we will definitely return.

Good pub food here - the best thing about the pub is the atmosphere.... it is spotlessly clean, warm and candlelight in the evening is very nice. There is the usual pub food - large portions and even a few choices for vegetarians. We explained...

Great meal, great service, great atmosphere.

Beautiful location food was delicious! Service was amazing an helpful.

The pub is gorgeous , service great & the food was really great. A gem and we will be going again soon

Not impressed would not recommend food not great not like it used to be very dissapointed

Pop in for a lunch and was offered drinks or food which was nice. Great lunch and service and atmosphere. New owners are making a good go of it as the place was packed.

Family lunch today and everything was great. Food was really lovely and served by nice friendly staff and dog friendly too - perfect!

What great luck, as the dog was getting groomed we thought we’d stay out for a cheeky bit of lunch. The cafe we went to was full, great for them, and we couldn’t get a seat, so having passed this pub so many times over...

Great service & great food Had two courses and beef roast very good and plenty of it.

Used to be a great pub with the previous proprietors, now it's a waste of time..If you Google them for hours of operation, it says 12pm until 10pm on a Saturday ,got there at 3pm ,they were closed. Bad business practice. I live in Texas,I'm home visiting family,(my sister lives next door to the village hall)had arranged to meet an old school friend (they drove from Bury st Edmunds)only to find it closed..I'm so disappointed,didn't get to see my friends, as they left ..They haven't even bothered to update their opening times..I will be telling my friends and business associates not to waste time time at this lack luster establishment ,it's a wonder they do any business at all!! I highly discourage bothering with this pub..WASTE OF TIME ,GAS AND MONEY.. If I could give 0 stars I would.

What a lovely pub. Lovely staff and a great burger. Dog friendly , they even brought the dog a bowl of water!

Food was lovely and the landlady was very hospitable and attentive. Will definitely go again. Warm homely environment.

We were a party of six adults meeting for a pre Xmas get together. The lunch menu was very limited consisting of just six main meals. One was sirloin steak and chips, overpriced at £25, fish and chips, a vegetarian curry, burger, steak pie and...

Another great meal at the Red Lion. The atmosphere and Staff were amazing. Well done guys. Happy Christmas and see you again soon.

First visit here after family highly recommended it..excellent!

What a warm and inviting pub, and the owners too. Wonderful menu choices, very tasty meal and an extra Yorkshire pudding …winning!! Ni room for dessert this time, but sticky toffee pudding and lemon crunch come highly recommended.

I'm a coeliac and the very friendly and helpful server spoke to the chef about my dietary requirements. It was a very good choice. I had the sausage and mash with vegetables. A very good portion size. My friends had the pie and the pork...

I'm a coeliac and they were able to provide me an excellent sausage and mash. The server was extremely helpful and friendly and checked with the chef about my dietary needs. Excellent portions, my friends had the pork chop and the pie. Both really enjoyed. Will definitely go back. It was a very warm and welcoming pub on a miserable day!

Fantastic local pub serving a good range of drinks and a tasty menu - the staff are friendly and go out of their way to make sure you have a good time! The roast is great, I've never had roasted pork belly as good as theirs!

Had a lovely Sunday lunch 2 pork belly with lots of salty crackling, a beef roast and a halloumi burger for the teenager. Teenager really enjoyed the burger, saying if all veggie food was that good she’d go veggie! Roasts all lovely with a good...

We arrived for birthday drinks at 7pm on Saturday night , to find all tables being used for meals or reserved. So we went to the bar to be told , NO bar service & you can't sit or stand at the bar. The lady...

Great food lovely staff nice atmosphere Well Done

Went here today for a family Sunday lunch (4 adults, 1 child). The adults ordered roast beef dinners and the child had pulled pork in a bap and fries. One of the party asked for the Savoy cabbage to be removed but was told they...

came for sunday lunch, 1 beef, 1 lamb and 2 pork belly. It was fabulous.. The staff could not have been nicer. I would recommend this to anyone

Great anniversary dinner. Much improved ambiance & good service.

First time we have been to this pub. Pleasantly surprised at the ambience, lovely friendly staff. Food was good, plenty of choice. Will come again

Very attentive staff with nice attitude