The Red Lion in Uttlesford

This is a village country traditional pub retaining all of its original features which still offers the opportunity locals to prop up the bar with your dog for just a chat and pint but there are three eating areas with the menu being 100% Italian. Outside to the front there are benches and tables and the pub offers parking too. The menu prices are very reasonable and food is very good. The service was good with helpful friendly staff.

Such a warm welcome from the lovely staff. The bread was outstanding and obviously made in house, best I have had in a long time. Varied menu, difficult to choose, but had the fillet beef to start , which was delicious, followed by a massive portion of lobster with tagliatelle. Too full to have dessert. Perfect birthday dinner for my son, thank you to the Chef and the lovely ladies who served us, we will be back.

Delicious Italian food, great service and a lovely atmosphere. Highly recommend. Very good choice of food and drink. Delighted to have such a good pub in the village.

After reading all the 5* reviews we decided to try the Red Lion for lunch, especially as we all love Italian food. I feel as though we must have gone a bad day, as it was not enjoyable at all, and as it is supposed to be a family run business serving authentic Italian food, what went wrong.I think we may have found an Italian chef who cannot actually cook! The food was not good, staff not too enthusiastic and the pub other than a log fire, with a few bits of kindling to put on, had no heating therefore lunch eaten in outdoor coats as freezing cold day. When we asked for coffee we were told they were closing in 15 minutes. That says it all!

If you're searching for authentic Italian cuisine in Great Sampford, look no further than The Red Lion Pub. After several visits, I can wholeheartedly say that each experience has been a delightful journey through the heart of Italy's culinary traditions. The Red Lion's menu is a treasure trove of classic Italian dishes, each prepared with a home-cooked touch that brings out the richness and depth of the flavors. Whether it's their perfectly al dente pasta, rich and hearty sauces, or the delicate balance of herbs and spices in each dish, the authenticity shines through. Their commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients elevates the dining experience to new heights. What adds to the charm of The Red Lion is its warm and welcoming atmosphere. It's a place where you feel right at home, thanks to the friendly and attentive staff who ensure every visit is pleasant and memorable. The Red Lion Pub is not just a pub; it's a culinary destination for anyone who appreciates the art of Italian cooking. It stands as a testament to the rich, flavorful, and comforting nature of Italian cuisine, served right here in Great Sampford. Keep up the excellent work, The Red Lion team! Your passion for authentic Italian cooking has not gone unnoticed, and I am already looking forward to my next visit.

Absolutely delicious food, staff amazing, highly recommended this pub/restaurant. Wonderful atmosphere, booking advised. Just the best meal we've had in ages. Cooked to perfection.......and we're really fussy! Thank you for a perfect dining experience .

Wonderful evening. Food and Service first class 👌 Want to try everything on the menu so will definitely visit again and again. Thank you!

Absolutely 10/10 for everything at this gem of a place. Found this superb pub with good outside seating for an evening meal with friends. The Italian food is exceptional, some of the best I have eaten in a very long time, and I’m a fussy eater. Nice choice of food on the menu, all freshly cooked. Lovely touch to have the complimentary home made bread and oils etc to start, along with the complimentary homemade limoncello after. All the staff are super friendly and nothing is too much trouble. They really care about this place and the customers who visit them. Will defo be returning back again soon, to sample more delicious items on the menu. Thank you for a truly lovely relaxed evening over fine food and wine.

After a morning out for my husband to use his driving experience voucher at nearby Carver Barracks we were both feeling a little hungry and fancied an Italian. Google and Trip Advisor led us to this little gem! The place was a little olde worlde which is fine but what stood out for us was the food, and service. The menu is amazing and the food excelled our expectations by a mile. The portion sizes were fabulous, not too big or small and the gap between starter and main was just right. I had the mozzarella and gorgonzola with cranberry to start and my husband had seafood spiedino, followed by spaghetti carbonara (best I've had for years) and the Mr had home made ravioli with sea bass - who knew that even existed. We had it about 7 hours ago and we are still talking about it! What a shame this wonderful little spot is not nearer but I wanted to encourage anyone who is around this area to give this place a try. I was a bit hesitant as thought it would be typical old greasy quick flash pub grub (that does have it's place of course but today we fancied something different) but that image disappeared as soon as I walked in the door. The food .... just so very very good. Nicest restaurant we have been to in a very very very long time. Thank you!

This pub/Italian restaurant set in an attractive village is so well maintained and has the friendliest of staff. There are three separate eating areas inside and tables and chairs at the front and in the back garden. Menu is varied and the food was excellent.

Good menu, great choices although if they had a fillet steak as an option I would have taken it. I took the smoked salmon and prawn salad as a shared starter and the spaghetti with seafood. Spaghetti was more noodlelike but was still enjoyable. Friendly and helpful staff. A good beer range too.

Authentic Italian food in a lovely village pub setting . Simple yet creative menu with dishes prepared to perfection. Lovely fish and seafood options in addition to meat options .

Fantastic pub/restaurant, in a beautiful village and country setting. The drive there itself will whet your appetite, and the food won't disappoint! Run by a lovely couple, with attentive service and hospitality. Was introduced there by local friends, who have frequented this establishment for many years, and never been let down. Food was scrumptious, well cooked, and beautifully presented. The butterfly prawns I had for starters were a delight, fresh, light on the palate, with a great tartare sauce and accompanying salad. My main was the lamb chops - can't go wrong there! Four lovely lamb chops cooked to perfection, with accompanying saute potatoes and vegetable. I was greedy enough to have a dessert as well, and the apple cake was sublime, coming with both custard and a blob of vanilla ice cream. Can't wait to go back, and take the family next time! Warning - weekends especially you definitely need to book in advance, as rightfully so this place is so popular.

We are regulars to the Red Lion and think it is by far one of the best places to ever eat at! The food is always amazing, so fresh with amazing flavours and the portion sizes are great. Andrea and her team always provide a very good service, the drinks and food are always served quickly but never feels rushed. On 17 April 2023 we went to Red Lion for another spontaneous dinner, they had a special start of octopus which safe to say blew our minds! We had the fusilli with smoked salmon and the meat ravioli in Ragù for mains which had us speechless! Never hesitate to come here, just book it and eat as much as you can! We’ll be back very soon! Georgia and Alfie 😊

We went to The Red Lion without a reservation on a Tuesday evening. It was very busy but the staff couldn't have been more welcoming and accommodating. The food was great and the service was very good. It was so nice to have a good meal in a pleasant and relaxed environment. I will definitely go again.

We went here for a birthday celebration, and it was just perfect! Service outstanding, food perfect. What ever they are doing here .. they have definitely cracked it !!

Had a family lunch for my husband’s birthday yesterday. The food was delicious and the service excellent. The home made bread is an absolute delight! We were made very welcome and made for a special day

I’ve had several meals at the Red Lion - always great food and good value. Last nights meal was stunning. My wife had a Sea Bream and I had a Fillet Steak wrapped in Pancetta…..probably the best steak I have EVER eaten! I tend to...

Been to hundreds of pub lunches and this was the best in ages. Fantastic food and very nice people. Will be going back in a heartbeat.

Amazing pub, great food, exceptional service, nothing is too much trouble, will definitely be back soon, nice to see a good pub again

Visited with family and weren’t disappointed. Great menu choice and really tasty reasonably priced food. The service was great and also really enjoyed the complimentary shot of Limencello at the end. Will definitely be visiting again.

Very friendly staff, excellent food with a great atmosphere. I will return often . The fire is lovely making it feel cosy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Exceptionally good meal after arriving late. The place is welcoming and service first rate. Everything was good and it’s so pleasing to appreciate that another local previously underperforming pub has been transformed into something worthwhile and viable for the long term. Can’t fault it.

We were disappointed as we expected a village Inn. However, this is a good Italian styled restaurant serving good food at reasonable prices. I gave a star less than perhaps warranted as the establishment really is not like a village pub at all. However the...

This is a very nice local pub but then add on the amazing Italian food - wow!!! Real British cask ale, fabulous food, very reasonable prices and staff who care, what could possibly go wrong? Nothing!! It was perfect. We definitely will return.

This is one of our all time favourite places to eat, since they moved from the Gate in Saffron Walden we were glad to see there has been no drop in food quality. You won't leave hungry, but make sure you book it gets very...

First visit to this pub after many recommendations. Definitely will be back. The waitress who served us was excellent. I love NZ Sauvignon Blanc and there was only Chilean she recommended it to me saying she really liked it, brought me some to try and...

Wonderful food best octopus I have had in England fabulous lunch will definitely be returning.This time I will book to ensure a table.Dog friendly and a very enjoyable Sunday

Lovely meal. Always decent sized portions and value for money. Lovely complimentary lemoncello always a nice gesture with the bill. Only thing I could possibly think to improve , - proper salt & pepper mills on table. Paper packets of condiments let's the side down...

Brilliant food, warm and cozy atmosphere and friendly, attentive staff. Highly recommending seafood dishes and pasta, and anything antipasti is also amazing.

Fabulous rib eye, perfectly cooked preceded by tasty skewers of prawn and calamari and followed by a shared raspberry panna cotta. My wife loved her main of smoked salmon and avocado (usually a starter but portion enormous). Service lovely and choice of gin unbelievable.

This is by far THE best restaurant in the Saffron Walden area. The food is stunning and the service is top notch. My husband and I LOVE this restaurant and feel like we are transported back to our honeymoon in Italy with the superb food....

Just had a stunning lunch of The chargrilled Lamb Chops with roasted veg and chips. That's the 2 having thrown pork chops and they were cooked to perfection. Thank you for your wonderful service, the waitress is a pleasure to have waiting on ok

This was our first visit and it was a most enjoyable evening. A nice welcome when we arrived, very good service, with a pleasant manner, food and drink excellent. Throughly recommend. We will be back. Thank you.

Took the family here for my Birthday lunch, thoroughly enjoyed by all. Terrific value for money, tasty food and generous portions. The staff are very attentive, friendly with prompt service and are extremely professional. 100% recommend.

Andreea and Danni, are the perfectt hosts, he a superb chef and she a charming, business woman who really cares about her clientele, the decor, the atmosphere,indeed everything that makes this a pub to visit on a regular basis. We have been regular and devoted...

Amazing food every visit for the past 7months! Great service, great staff! As always, would recommend to anyone!

We arrived to this busy pub having not booked for dinner, and were given a table for two straight away. Immediately blown away by the super friendly staff and continued to be more than impressed with the amazing food. A brilliant night, made all the...

It's nice to be able to write a good review. The Red Lion is an attractive building in a village setting. The staff are welcoming and the restaurant is charming and comfortable. What's this brought to the table? ........ a basket of bread with oil...

Following a friendly welcome at the door, Andrea continued to ensure that we were neither rushed not kept waiting. The menu is very varied and the food scrumptious! (Extremely good value too.) It's a beautiful old building with plenty of space between tables. Good luck...

Lunch at The Red Lion had all the taste and excellence of the previous location, The Gate, in Saffron Walden. Great taste and great value.

We ate here twice whilst staying in Saffron Walden and both meals were outstanding. It was unfussy food expertly cooked with plenty of flavour. The service was super efficient without making you feel rushed and always with a smile. All very reasonably priced. If I...

Authentic, fresh and fantastic Italian food, served by friendly and helpful staff, for a really reasonable price. Highly recommend, seriously as the title says! And the limoncello, Wow!!!!

Can't beleive I only live 3 miles down the road and had yet to eat here...enjoyed an amazing meal, lovely staff, great surroundings...and very reasonably priced...I am vegetarian and had good choices...they even offer small servings of the main meal so I did this and...

The place is inviting and the food is plentiful and of good quality. The people are welcoming, friendly and efficient. The value for money is excellent. I won't recommend you visit though... don't want too many people knowing about this gem of a restaurant.

The perfect place for the whole family. Fantastic menu and friendly staff that always make you feel like you belong. A very large variety of Gin and always fresh beer on tap.