The Red Lion Inn in Rother - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

My husband and I stopped at the place for lunch en route to a weekend away. The service was very good and the food was super tasty. They had zero issues with vegetarian dishes. They take great care to mark everything on their menu. And they accept cash. The garden was really beautiful as well. There is so many things to love about this place. Even if you live a distance it’s worth the travel for a day out.

5* Lovely countryside pub with great garden. Food was delicious, burger was homemade and all the flavours worked so well. Staff are friendly and chatty. Shout out to Liz for her amazing service! Can’t wait to come back soon

We popped into this delightful English pub atmosphere was amazing the place was so busy they were fully booked but squeezed us in which was incredibly kind of them the staff were so friendly the food (carvery) was delicious best Roast I’ve had out for ages! Can’t recommend this place enough all kinds of people there a real mix reminded me of how pubs were years ago just delightful.

Absolutely little jem!!!! Brilliant food lovey atmosphere and extremely friendly staff and owners. We went with friends and had the Sunday roast. Plenty on the plate and absolutely delicious.

The Red Lion is our favourite spot for lunch. We usually come on a Sunday, whenever we are able, and Gary's roast dinners are superb, especially the beef. The fish and chips are the best I have ever eaten, and my wife loves the fish pie. Also, the home made breads are well worth buying, we normally pick up a couple of focaccia's, especially for Christmas. Lindsey and the other girls are all very welcoming, we love it here despite having to make the trip over from Bexhill. Highly recommended.

We have been staying locally and visited The Red Lion on three occasions, Saturday lunch, Sunday roast lunch and Friday night dinner. On all occasions the staff were so friendly and Gary's meals and hospitality were excellent. Gary also makes his own bread, which we bought and have honestly not had better. We look forward to visiting again. Jan and John, Suffolk.

Beautiful pub with amazing food, most especially their Sunday roast, you will never find better slow cooked lamb. All in all, my favourite place to go for Sunday roast. Staff are so friendly and attentive. We brought home their home made foccasia bread, OMG it's amazing, this will be a regular purchase. Do give them a try, you won't regret it 😋

Not overwhelming but a nice traditional pub. Cozy inside & sitting outside. Food is pretty average (average taste, plain steamed veg etc). Leaving this review because I haven't seen a menu with so few vegetarian and vegan options in years - quite poor in 2023. The menu is quite large but almost everything is meat or fish. Only vegetarian options are baked camembert (starter) or Mac & cheese (main). Only vegan option is olives (starter). This also doesn't cater for anyone with lactose intolerance etc either so was not ideal.

Lovely greeting from the staff, great food, can’t fault it , atmosphere was lovely. We are definitely going back!

Nice pub, the staff it's simpático and the food OK. But it's difficult find it open. We never know. It took 5 visits to find the pub open.

A real hidden Gem. From the outside the Red Lion didn't look much, but that changed as soon as we entered! A fantastic small traditional village pub with a great atmosphere, really friendly staff and amazing food. A passionate chef who certainly knows he's seafood - the best muscles my Wife has had in years. We will certainly be returning..

Food ok. Small portions for the price. Tasted ok just not much of it for what we paid. Would I go back? No probably not. No umbrellas on the tables outside.

Gary and Lyndsey hosted a large family event for us at their beautiful pub. From start to finish, they were friendly and accommodating, excellent food and nothing too much trouble. Would highly recommend.

Excellent food and good service. Reasonably priced. However the menu changes regularly so if you liked what you had, don't expect it to be on the menu next time you visit.

Excellent welcoming ordered a drink and then was seated at our table, they where very curtious and left us time to look at the menu, we ordered our starter which came in good time not to long to wait, looked and tasted lovely, we decided to have the carvery and they did not rush us, gave us clean cutlery for our main meal, the carvery was excellent beautiful.roast lamb melted in your mouth, not fatty at all, roast potatoes where great Yorkshire pudd was nice and crispy and the cauliflower cheese was to die for, plenty of veg cabbage, carrots, peas, asparagus and broccoli, they came and asked if we wanted more veg we said no there was already plenty, gravy was perfect and mint sauce. The chef came and asked if everything was ok we said perfect. Was going to have a dessert but never had room was completely full up. Drinks where great not watered down coke like some places. Atmosphere was beautiful they where very friendly and made you feel welcome, the place was spotless and charming. Used the toilet and must give them a 10 out 10 they smelt nice no horrible odour spotlessly clean was so impressed. Prices are good food is excellent staff friendly and welcoming cleanliness was top marks. Well done will eat there again for sure

We were in the area so popped in for lunch. What a lovely traditional pub, with a menu to suit all tastes, we both decided on a mixture of the smaller plates and were not disappointed. The food arrived quickly and was perfectly cooked. The bar team were very friendly and welcoming and we will definitely be back next time we are in Brede.

The Red Lion is a fairly traditional English pub serving great food, and located in the small village of Brede, at the top of a hill. The menu is quite traditional, and the dishes are all freshly made with excellent ingredients and well-prepared. The bar stocks a range of beers, lagers and ciders, and the staff are friendly and helpful. The pub itself is up-to-date modern-rustic in decoration, with a good seating capacity. Although we stopped by on a rainy weekday, the garden hints at being busy in the drier, warmer months, and we can imagine a great ambience then. The kitchen also produces fresh bread at lunchtimes which can be bought to takeaway. All in all, a great English pub which is definitely worth stopping at!

I know things are more expenxive these days but the portions here are ridiculous. We paid £15 for a meal, which looked like a childrens size! It was average in taste, boring boiled veg but nice wellington, but half an hour later we were hungry. This is taking the michael in my book. The good things were they did fit us in unbooked and the waitress was very nice. But I won't be going there again.

Spring may officially have arrived but baby it's still cold outside. So today's tasty lunchtime bowl of mushroom soup by the Red Lion's open fire was very welcome. Gary's cooking is on top form, the menu mouthwatering - and where else will you be served homemade focaccia!

First visit of 2023 and up to its usual very high standard. Lovely atmosphere supplemented by great staff, great beer and exceptional food. Had the anchovies and Brede bread for starter. Very nice. Couldn’t resist having the carvery roast for main. Went for the beef...

Stumbled across this little gem on our way to the south coast. Don't be fooled by the non-descript exterior and narrow driveway this is a delightful discovery. Home cooked food at reasoable prices with excellent friendly service. They also served one of my favourite cask...

Usual excellent food, great atmosphere and entertainment from Gary's brilliant house band. One of the best New Years that I can remember.

Wow, this was great! We just had a brilliant experience, the food was excellent, the service was first class and everyone finished what was put in front of them. The traditional turkey was served with pigs in blankets, stuffing and a lovely rich gravy, plus...

This pub provided an lovely country pub atmosphere and very friendly staff. We had a georgous perfectly cooked sunday roast from the varied menu- the roast meats (lamb,beef,pork) were all so tender.The vegtables were all fresh and perfectly cooked and the roast potatoes were fresh,...

Fabulous meal! What a Great evening out. Me and four good friends were all really impressed with this pub/ restaurant. we had all picked something different from the menu as there was such a wide range of choices and were all really pleased with our...

This is a lovely village pub full of locals having a good time. We were made very welcome by the owner, would highly recommend.

Visited again on Sunday, took some Italian friends with us who absolutely loved the food. They all commented on the foccacia, saying how wonderful it was, and they should know!! All had a lovely roast beef dinner and nearly exploded on the chocolate cheesecake lol....

Outstanding food and ambiance. We visited last evening, the food was excellent, delicious shepherds pie made with shoulder of lamb, sea bream beautifully cooked and presented. Every care is taken by Gary to make sure the food is of the highest quality. The bar staff...

The landlord and landlady were wonderfully accommodating and welcoming. I was very well looked after. As the name suggests a lovely old fashioned pub with great service. The food was exceptional , well above your standard pub food. Made with love and care, but not...

We had an early evening meal here after a good 6 mile walk whilst enjoying a weekend away in a local cottage. Very warm welcome for locals and non-locals alike. Hearty Gary’s chicken and mushroom pie n mash for me, my wife enjoyed the Sussex...

Had a delicious lunch here, Gary's steak pie was excellent and the beer battered haddock was delicious. Excellent service, friendly and welcoming staff. Harvey's ale and sauvignon blanc. We always visit when in the area, looking forward to the next time!

We stayed in Brede for a few days and I actually wished we could have stayed longer to have the opportunity to spend a few more evenings in the Red Lion. The people were so friendly and accommodating and the food was wonderful. This is...

We've just moved into the area and were delighted to discover the Red Lion. Friendly, welcoming and full of character, we thoroughly enjoyed some great food in the restaurant and the Tuesday fish and chip take away was amazing. Highly recommended!

We had a weekend away in Brede and called in to the pub a couple of times. Fantastic pub, friendly people, excellent beers, the food was superb and the daily baked bread homemade on the premises was to die for, and they are dog friendly....

we went here for our walking group lunch all was fantastic food friendly atmosphere and they even make their own bread !! highly recommended

My first visit to the Red Lion, prompted by reports I'd heard of Gary's excellent cooking and, on the second Thursday each month, the opportunity to be joyfully entertained by Rattlebag, the well-known Hastings acapella folk band, plus a lively young crew of multi-strumentalists, and...

social distancing between staff and eaters a bit lacking with staff not wearing masks and too close when serving etc. Needs more ventilation as well. Had to return one sea food dish as not up to standard but handled well and not charged. Wont be...

So glad that Gary and Lyndsay have come back, food is delicious and service is amazing. Had an off the menu traditional cooked breakfast the other day and it was so tasty, can’t wait to go back for more. Ps also brought some of Gary’s...

Friendly staff, great country pub ambience and the best Sunday roast ever. One of my favourite pubs in the area. Highly recommended

Since my first review in 2015, we have visited here quite a few more times and have never been disappointed, either with the friendliness of the staff, or the quality of the food we have been served. The fish and chips is to die for,...

We dropped in today for lunch, not having booked a table. We were immediately accommodated, and the only reason I gave it 4 stars, is that the fire which was close to us, wasn't working. But, the waiting staff were delightful, the menu was incredible,...

Lovely atmosphere with fantastic service. Great food, although would say I'd like slightly bigger prawns. The whitebait though was the best I've ever had. Landlady v friendly. Just wish was closer as definitely be one we would visit a lot. But we will be back...

Booked a table for 6 for a Christmas evening meal. Pub was nicely decorated and there was a very good atmosphere. Great food served efficiently by friendly staff. A really enjoyable finish to our mini break in East Sussex.

Sunday lunch with my wife. Absolutely fantastic food, welcome and service. Possibly the best, and I do mean THE best fish and chips I have ever eaten. Wife had the cod and salmon gratin and loved every mouthful. Immediately booked a table for two Sundays...

It was back in 2012 that I reviewed the Sunday lunch experience at the Red Lion. A lot of water has gone under the bridge since then, both in the life of this pub and the world itself. But the same team is back in...

The Red Lion is our local, which makes us very lucky people. We eat there regularly and the menu is always excellent. Moreover, they are extremely caring and careful if, like me, you have allergies and other dietary difficulties . The atmosphere is always friendly...

We both enjoyed our meal here last Tuesday. It was made all the more enjoyable as the menu included gluten free choices. When I enquired the waitress went to the kitchen spoke to the chef and came back with the menu marked with all the...

Hurray that Gary and Lindsey who had made this pub the warm, cosy and welcoming traditional English village pub that every village needs are back. First meal out for us since lock down and we received a warm welcome. Still away to go maybe as...

So happy G & L are back! I’ve been twice in the last fortnight. The local lemon sole was generous in size and cooked to perfection at my first visit. Really well seasoned too. And the slow cooked shepherds pie with cheesy mash topping, always...

Two of us lunched here after a long gap due to Covid restrictions. The Harveys was excellent but they have a very limited menu. The fish & chips I had were so-so. The fish was OK, but the chips were not cooked right through. Not...

Lovely pub, great welcome from lindsay and the lady who was also helping out, so hospitable. Highlights were the huge fish and chips and the croquettes. Burger was small and a bit disappointing, but this was minor when everything else was so nice.

The Red Lion was my father's favourite pub where he was a regular for his evening meal and a glass of rose. To honour his memory, I was pleased to host a celebration of his life with some of his many friends. I had heard...

Thank goodness Gary and Lindsey a re back in control of this lovely pub. We had an excellent supper.

First family birthday lunch (for 8) post lock down. Food was excellent with a nice range of specials too. Fresh produce and the feeling of homemade. Service great, and nothing was to much trouble. Thank you to Gary and Lindsey and their team, perfect hosts!

Gary and Lindsey who made this pub the warm, cosy and welcoming traditional English village pub every village needs are back. First meal out for my wife and I since lock down and we received a warm welcome and good food and drink.

Being only a short walk from the camp site I was at, and being not exactly spoiled for choice, I called in for a pint and evening meal. It was the best decision I made that day. This place is obviously a real asset to...

We had a lovely experience at the Red Lion Inn. The staff were absolutely lovely, making us feel so welcome! It was cosy and the ambience was fantastic in there with a warm fire and lots of laughter. The food was decent, hearty pub grub....

Popped in for a quick pint after a terrible day at work. Despite being dusty the welcome was very warm and the cold cider even better. Will definitely return in clean clothes to stay longer.

Used to be a frequent visitor for dinner here as it's our local pub. Decided to visit again regardless of the eat out to help out, we were 1 of 2 tables in there, plus a few regulars at the bar. Service was slow, even...

I made a reservation for lunch by email and received a confirmation. We turned up and was told, "NO FOOD". We didn't even receive an apology. Behaviour that surely helps to run a pub into the ground. What's the sense of the Government shelling out...

This used to be the go to place and we have in the past had seriously good food here. It has changed hands sadly. We Visited recently and was disappointed by the food and especially, in view of the current Covid concerns, the complete absence...

Went here last night and have been several times before. Lovely friendly pub with a great choice of food, a proper old English pub. Staff are so friendly and helpful and nothing is too much trouble. The landlord particularly was so friendly and helpful ....

Service very friendly and efficient, food very nice, a lovely encompassing and warm atmosphere. A table for four with friends, lovely winter fire burning close by and subdued but attractive, varied and non invasive lighting. Thank you for a relaxing and enjoyable evening.

Six of us met for lunch and all agreed that the food was very good. Well kept real ales. Friendly staff and fast service even when very busy.

Popped in late Sunday and there were candles on each table creating a fabulous warm welcoming atmosphere. The landlady was very friendly and couldn’t do more to make our visit more enjoyable. Lovely Merlot and Best bitter next to the open fire. Perfect

Fifteen of us for Christmas lunch today. Everything went so well. The Xmas dinner was very large and very tasty. The serice was excellent. Bravo !!

We have visited with family several times and enjoyed their Sunday lunch buffet. Very tasty, lovely atmosphere and friendly staff!

16 of us went for lunch at the Red Lion and everyone enjoyed it. The staff were very pleasant, the food good and a great variety, the portions were very satisfying and some of us decided to enjoy three courses, the young people in our party 12 & 16 years said it was 'cool' food, not meaning the cool as in cold! We were all in one room which always helps rather than being in the restaurant area on different tables.Would recommend and have been several times before.

We decided to eat here when staying locally. We went for the Sunday carvery. The food itself was good (although some of the meat and vegetables had run out) but it was overcrowded with too many crammed in a tight room making it noisy and claustrophobic. Not helped by a very large dog to manoeuvre round when trying to get to the carvery.

Lovely pub in the village of Brede, about 8 miles from Hastings. They do a Carvery on Sundays as well as an a la carte menu. Great Sunday roast - all fresh and hot and lots of it! Very busy venue so booking is recommended. Staff are very friendly and helpful. Fantastic open fireplace in the autumn/winter - typical village pub.

For my 70 th birthday celebrations I booked the Red Lion on five different evenings to entertain different groups arriving in the Oast House I’d rented. My family went to the pub for dinner on the night before my birthday. The meal was deeply average...and the service worse. The pub itself is full of charm but the positives end there. Worse was to comeI booked the pub for Monday evening and explained to the owner ( Natalie) that this was also my friend’s 70 th so I wanted to take a cake up beforehand etc to surprise my friend. Natalie agreedDisappointed with my evening there we found an alternative pub so...being well mannered On Monday I called The Red Lion to cancel my booking. They didn’t pick up and the message at the end says that it’s not possible to leave a message. (Is this a business taking future bookings?). I called the pub 4-5 times during the afternoon but with no success. Two days later the partner of Natalie called me to check we were arriving as agreed for our meal....I was astounded and mentioned Monday...’ oh’ was his response. ‘ we don’t open on a Monday’ i could barely believe my ears.My advice to anyone considering booking is DONT but do consider The Plough nearby where you will eat very good food and the service will be excellent

Without a doubt this is the best Sunday roast I've ever had, you know when you take a bite of the meat, gravy, sauce combo and you roll your eyes back and say oh...my...god.....this is every mouthful, and for £12.95...id come here ever Sunday, only thing that's missing is stuffing!

Went here for lunch hubby had ploughman’s while I opted for the deli platter! Both came with their homemade bread which was clearly dry and stale such a disappointment! Other than that food was ok but not great wouldn’t rush back.

Fantastic chef Jackie who cares about her ingredients and her food. Never had a bad meal. Sussex smokie a must and always check out the specials board. Staff efficient and friendly.

Visited with our 5 year old on our way back to Brighton from France.

Visited here for Sunday lunch with friends. We arrived at about 2pm and had to wait for a table which was not a problem. The man behind the bar told us he would come and find us in approx half hour. We waited over an hour-then we had to go in and ask if our table was ready-which it was. They only had one meat left on the Sunday lunch menu even though they advertise Sunday dinner well into early evening. The lamb that was left was very fatty and was served by a lady that didn’t have great people skills it would seem. Food was ok-puddings were nice. Maybe we caught them on an off day but we won’t be rushing back.

Camping locally and walked to the Red Lion. Cute looking traditional pub in Brede, lots of locals and passing trade too. Had called ahead to book a table, and was offered one by the open front door when I arrived. Passed on that and got one in the back room, which was fine with me. I ordered half a pint of prawns on the shell and their speciality dish, Haddock Smokie. Prawns arrived in a half pint mug and were great. The Haddock Smokie is an oven cooked cheese based dish. Very filling. Good comfort food. Friendly staff. Would definitely go back.

Quaint little but with a great beer garden, fantastic for the summer months.

We booked in for a carvery at 1430 on Sunday. We were surprised to find that there was one portion of lamb left and enough pork for the rest of us. No beef or chicken. The food was fine but if you advertise a carvery all meats should be available at the end.

Had a lovely lunch sitting in the garden.

The Red Lion catered for us perfectly, giving an amazing selection of vegan foods and allowing us to change some of the menu to suit ourselves. The chef couldn't be more helpful! They welcome dogs and have a wonderful garden.

Had a delicious dinner here with friends. I’m vegan and the chef came out to the garden to discuss choices he could make for me - what a luxury! Everyone had great food and such a pretty old style pub selling local seasonal produce - we walked through the stunning fields from the excellent Dogwood campsite. A dreamy Sussex summer evening!

Had not visited the pub for some years. Used to like it. However, we understand from reviews that it has changed hands.

This had always been a friendly, well managed pub with good food.

Excellent home cooked pub food, made from locally sourced ingredients, tasteful and very very tasty too !!

We arrived on the Saturday and ordered 4 lagers, 16 pound so wasn’t a bad price. We started talking to the bar man and we then ordered another round. 2 Stella’s, a double gin and double kraken...£37!!

This was a return visit, having been here the previous year. It was obvious that the management had changed. On entering the pub, the landlord insulted his "cronies" (the only people in the pub), with band language, and managed to insult me before I had got the five steps from the door to the bar. The restaurant section was empty, unlike our previous visit. As other reviewers have noted, he declined to serve us, directing us to a table, where staff would take our drinks order, not really welcoming. When the food arrived, three out of four of us felt it was disappointing, only the Ribs passed muster. The waiting staff were polite, but the landlords choice of music was sporadic, and when he was bored with a song he would cut it off halfway through, not the most relaxing environment. So due to pleasant waiting staff, a friendly puppy and the one good meal it gets two stars, but I will not rush to return.

The Red Lion Inn in the village of Brede is a real traditional English pub in every respect, beamed low ceilings, open log fire and a wonderful warm welcome from the staff. The food is of a quite unbelievable quality not just for the taste but in the presentation I have eaten at many establishments in Sussex and The Red Lion Inn ranks in my top ten, I Highly recommended.

The Red Lion is a very nice, traditional village pub with locals at the bar & others enjoying food from a varied menu. I had the Goujons of Cod & very good they were too! Other dishes served also looked very appetising. Would definitely return!

Food came out in good time and everything was as described and fresh, most dishes are home,ade and it’s proper pub grub, don’t expect gastro pub dining though, the food is nearly there but service was average from waiting staff and I found both members of bar staff struggled with their tills and took too long to serve drinks.

What a great experience! Great pub food, generous portions and all served by a friendly publican and team. Nothing was too much trouble. Highly recommended.

We went for Saturday lunch having visited the Brede Water pumps in the morning. We found the staff friendly, plenty of space inside, nice clean seats and table. Prompt service of good food. Would be excellent if the car park wasn't down such a narrow lane and mildly concealed. No idea why they don't put out a sandwich board with food times. See the menu and the inside specials board.

I was part of a walking group of 16 people. We pre-ordered our food in view of the size of our party but Sue coped admirably when we all arrived at the bar for 16 separate drinks. Two tables had been set aside for us in the restaurant & when we were all seated it didn't take too long before the various dishes arrived. I had eaten here before on a Sunday (which is very popular for their Sunday roast) & on both occasions the staff were very friendly & helpful which made our visits very pleasurable. There is an excellent choice of specials on the board apart from the set menu. A variety of meals had been ordered & everyone was very happy with their meal. I can recommend the Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables & Korkers sausages with mashed potato & onion gravy.

I visited this pub tonight for some food with a colleague. A really beautiful country pub in a lovely setting. General feel to the pub is that the punters are friendly. The bar man was a little bit rude, asking us to find a table and he will come over to order food, but that we need to order drinks at the bar because he cant be arsed to take them at the table (his words). Food ordered and we wait. It arrives and so does the drum and bass. Now I love drum and bass, but not whilst I eat. I get what I ordered (with the exception of the vegetables which i asked for instead of salad). We weren't given any cutlery and the chef had to give them to us. I had to walk around the pub to find sauces. When I found the massive selection of Heinz ketchup the bar man said do i need anything else. I asked for mustard, he said no problem, it didnt arrive.

This pub used to be a regular haunt of ours for food, but this was our first visit since the change of management. It seems to still be popular with locals, but the atmosphere has changed. It remains a lovely building with the potential to be a good pub (which is why I give it 3-stars), but there was no fire going. Whilst this may not seem to be a major issue, it is the presence of a roaring log fire which has always made country pubs like this seem special.

This early evening meal was very tasty , the moules were beautifully cooked and plentiful. This place has changed hands and the new owners have started to find their feet. Much more friendly than when they first arrived.

Our first time at this pub, and the last. The landlord has no people skills. The food looked good, but was a bit concerned that it might take as long as my wife’s instant coffee to arrived. So didn’t bother

Friend had a nasty experience from the fish pie and was ill all night,

exelent food ,cooked well ,good amount of portions,5 star,chef,exelent. we were not told about the 12% service charge,untill we got the bill? waitress was a bit off putting,bit misy.

Three of us went to The Red Lion for a birthday meal -- two vegetarians, and one vegan. As is customary with us, we phoned the day before to reserve a table, and to verify that there would be no problem catering for our diets. We were told what vegetarian meals would be available on the night in question, and also we were promised a special "surprise dish" for the vegan member of our party!