The Red Lion Inn Restaurant in Denbighshire

Don't think I will be returning anytime soon. It's a shame, I've always enjoyed it and over the last year given it a few chances. Service is never good, and it's not the servers' fault its their lack of training, long waits do not help. The standard questions are asked, but the answers are not listened too and there is little to no instinct. If it's taken almost half an hour between getting your main and your vegetables or you return an almost full plate of food to the kitchen, then you'd think they'd gather no everything is not OK. It's a shame to say it as when the food is good it's a lovely place to dine and you'll give it another try, however this time the food was not great, under or over cooked food coupled with long waits and service that is not great will keep me away for now.

The family party arrived for Mothers Day lunch at 12 midnight day. On going to the bar to get a drink for my wife and self, I was informed by the young barman that they only had a third of a bottle of white wine available . So I purchased a large glass of it and a cider . We went to the table and waited a considerable time for or food order to be taken as there were no menus and the waitresses phone had to be passed round. Food arrived and was served haphazardly as the waitresses did not know what meals they had. Afterwards we waited a considerable time for clearance. Once done no one arrived to take the sweet course. Not wanting one but with my wife requiring an after dinner brandy and no service looking imminent, I went to the bar to order one. I was eventually told there was no Brandy so opted to pay my bill and leave. Even this was done wrongly as I was initially charged for 2 courses each. This was eventually rectified and we left. We later heard from family members that eventually most opted for cheesecake, only to be informed that there was only 1 portion left. When one of the party asked to see the manager they were informed that they didn’t work Sundays. A return is not being considered.

0* Absolutely horrendous experience! Booked for Mother’s Day at 3pm which is also my 30th birthday. We arrived on time and made to wait outside for 45 minutes for our table. When we asked for menus we got told there was no menus as the printer was broken and to go on Facebook for the menu. There was no up to date menu so the waitress gave us her phone with menu on her screen saver. This menu was completely wrong. My daughter has allergies when mentioned the waitress looked like a deer in headlights. I explained it was dairy and egg and could she check if the chicken bites were suitable and the vegan brownie on the menu was vegan. She came back and said neither were suitable so I asked what can she have she replied ‘Mac and cheese bites’ I explained she definitely would not be able to eat this and can she ask the chef for either the allergen menu or what she can have - after a while she returned behind the bar and spoke to some colleagues obviously worried to come and tell us we couldn’t eat! They said they have zero training in allergens and don’t know what is in the food on the menu! We heard multiple staff saying everyone has been complaining and they should have stopped service today! Birthday/Mother’s Day meal ruined and not even enough time to go to the shops for dinner!! Avoid this place at all costs especially if you have dietaries even explained at booking and when paying deposit!!

Amazing food Great friendly place Brilliant beer garden

We were there with friends for lunch. This was the first day for their new chef and he personally came out to apologise for having no gluten free bread for one of our party. A nice touch. All our food was delicious and the waitress was lovely. We will be back!

I have eaten in the Red lion on a Sunday several times and the food has always been very good the staff are always friendly, however on my most recent visit the food was ok but the service was terrible, having to ask several times for my order to be taken then when it arrived no cutlery, had to ask twice, I also asked for a sauce which I did not get the table I was on was dirty my jacked was sticking to it, no place mats just when it eventually arrived the cutlery was just thrown onto the table, it’s a shame that the staff either don’t know what they are doing or just can’t be bothered, I have always recommended the Red for a no frills Sunday lunch but won’t be using again your staff need training on how to serve food.

In the past the food has always been lovely, but today the quality and standard of the food was below par. The service was shocking as we had to ask to order drinks, there was no cutlery and place mats on the table, the waiter nearly spilt a full bowl of soup over my husband, our cutlery was plonked on the table not even in a serviette. Then we had to wait at the bar for over 10 minutes to pay our bill. Our experience certainly wasn’t a good, the cleanliness of the toilets and the rest of premises is something to be desired. It would appear they have become a victim of their own success.

Good food, beer section and atmosphere.

We have been to this pub any times over the years. It's looking a bit tired now. Sticky carpets, dirty tables. Sunday lunch service poor, cracked and dirty mugs ,cutlery thrown on to the table, booked for 1pm mains served 2.30pm. Starter plates ( only two)collected and kitchen staff not informed we were ready for our Sunday roast. Frozen veg re heated and cauliflower cheese served with a dirty dish cloth over it.

Food was very good but the service was not good had to ask 3 times for our main course and the waited for vegetables. Waiting need to be trained up to give a better service

Honestly the best meat I've ever had on a roast dinner. We went for the 4 meat roast and it did not disappoint!!! Every type of meat was amazing in its own way and was so tender that it just fell apart when going to cut into it. Friendly staff, large portion sizes, all home cooked and taste fantastic . 10 out of 10 well done guys 👏👏👏

A great welcome by staff on arrival.Room nice and warm.Fantastic large breakfast served by hosts Gordon and Marilyn. Great value for money.Gwilym Williams.Holyhead

If I could give 0 stars I would!! I booked in and arrived to entire place in darkness, called the owner 100 times Jo answer just kept putting the phone down so I had to sleep in my car then when I've rang up for a refund in the morning the owner has finally answered and she was the most rudest and inconsiderate person ever. Don't recommend and I don't think she even wants customers with the way she speaks to people!! Disgusting host.

Shut this place down! And give a whole new set of staff jobs. The menu sounded varied. The food came and it was ok. Disgusting experience of service worst I’ve ever had in my life. You go out to dinner for not only the food but experience of being served food. The young waitress face was miserable like a smacked b*m, slammed food down on table, we had two new customer tables come after us (10 or so minutes after we’d ordered) and their food arrived first. Clearly the young lady had forgot. If you don’t shut this place down and start it anew then please fire the young lady who clearly doesn’t care about customer experience. Also, similarly to other customer reviews here… the bill was scribbled not from a till listed which is so unprofessional. I don’t know who on earth manages this place but you’re doing a bad job - what a s show. Hire better pleasant staff who won’t react in such a manner when they are in the wrong and need humility. I paid a price I don’t even know what was for. The menu I read had different prices and supposedly they dropped our child’s meal as a sorry but I had no evidence of this. Shocking. It was my mums birthday and I feel so sad she had this experience.

The 2 stars was for the 2 waitresses who were lovely. They did they're best. More or less everything we ordered was unlike the description on the menu. Looked like everything was frozen and popped in the microwave, unfortunately not for long enough. The Fishcake with chorizo and butternut, just looked like a regular frozen Fishcake. No chorizo or butternut to be seen. One of our soups was hot, the other stone cold. No wine in stock . A pub with no wine.? Unfortunately they have lost our custom. Not sure what's going on.

Went for a family meal on a quiet Friday night (only 4 tables with customers) and the whole experience was poor. It stated with the drinks order and no white wine ( they did send a staff member to Tescos but we had left before they returned) the red wine situation wasn’t much better with only very cheap (and I mean the 10-11% proof Home Bargains style) red wine in stock. The meal didn’t get any better with all starters returned for being cold (including mussels) and not as described on the menu. At this point we left and went for a Chinese! We were only charged for the drinks which was fair.

This is a local restaurant, 8 of us out for dinner. No wine! They had to go to the supermarket for some and never came back. Starters eventually arrived and were all cold! Abandoned the meal and ordered a Chinese, won’t return.

Food was lovely, highly recommended. Well-presented and generous portions. Staff doing a great job under pressure - maybe short staffed in the kitchen?

Party meetings prove to be cramped

We went for Christmas day lunch based on a recommendation and wow the meal was amazing. The around service was fantastic. We again went today for a meal and again another amazing meal.

Very traditional oldy worldy pub. Lovely atmosphere. Big beer garden that's very private

Booked for Sunday lunch . Lovely staff and service . One lamb one Turkey very tasty and tender . Generous portions with plenty of veg cooked perfectly . Two biscoff cheesecakes delicious . Whole atmosphere and experience excellent . Above all realistically priced and will def be returning . Thank you

Unfortunately this place isn’t what it used to be. Service was absolutely terrible (bar one lady who had just started work that evening) and just received attitude from young waitresses. I’m not sure how you manage to ruin a burger, but these guys did. Our burger even arrived with the addition of a large piece of plastic in it. Will not be going back.

Food was superb excellent price

We dined here on a Monday night. 4 adults and 3 children. Lovely food. Great service.

Me and my Husband went for the first the food was beautiful and hot love the gravy. Will go back again The staff was very pleasant and helpful. We will go again good portions.

Really want to rate this zero stars, table booked for 2 @4pm arrived 3:25pm ordered drinks at the bar & seated @3:45 order taken @4pm 2 starters & 2 mains, plenty of staff not paying attention to clients seemed to chat amongst themselves, noticed an elderly couple had to ask where dessert was whom staff gave a really poor excuse, they decided to take them away, 4 people sat waiting for their receipt only having to ask them again, mother & 2 daughters had to ask to order desserts, @4:45 a member of staff comes to tell us there have no Chicken for my meal, What the hell 45 mins from ordering and they just realise they can’t full fill the order, asked to speak to the manager, for a young man to come behind the bar and says is it ok if he deals with the problem as the manager is very busy!!! he hears our complaint and unbelievably says I will knock your meals of the bill if you just pay for the 2 drinks and 2 starters, well you can’t charge for something we haven’t eaten, husband then says you should knock the started off and we will gladly pay for the drinks, if this is how you run your establishment Mr Manager with No backbone to come and face the problem you send out someone who doesn’t know how to deal with customer complaints who tells us you are plating food in the kitchen I would love to know who you where serving as we where the last couple in, everyone had left apart from the mother & 2 daughters, I can say we will never be back.

Nice food but a very long wait.

Great traditional pub,great food and great service

Great pub style food and daily offers, place has charm but is very dated. I'm sure they could improve the place and keep its charm. The garden area is nice, but it seems wasted, could be made more appealing.

Loved this place. Had a Sunday roast here it was beautiful. Couldn't fault a thing. Excellent service and very helpful friendly staff. Thank you to all who made it a lovely experience

Just popped in on the off chance about 1 45pm today and managed to get a table for 2. We'd read reviews on-line and we weren't disappointed.We both had Sunday lunch one pork one lamb they looked good and tasted even better We both throughly enjoyed them

Great food ,we both had Sunday lunch absolutely lovely Couldnt fault it. The Staff were super friendly and helpful. This was our first visit, we'll be back Very competitive prices as well

Stayed here with a mate on a recent fishing trip. The landlady, landlord and staff couldn't have done more to make us feel at home. Food was good and beds were comfortable. Would definitely stay here again.

Called in for a drink with friends, good barmaid, very welcoming.

The staff were incredibly friendly, and the pub had an amazing atmosphere. The food was excellent and the portion sizes were great! 10/10 would recommend!

This is the second time within the last few weeks we've booked a table and it's not been booked their end! It was so disappointing as we have friends staying and we were looking forward to having a roast there. I know it can get busy, so hence why we booked early, but please don't state you've booked me in when it clearly shows you didn't.

Poor service, delayed and four hours for three courses. Food was good, and price was acceptable but overall terrible. Nearly left multiple times.

Don't come to this place so not good

We went for Sunday lunch. Bar lady wasn't forthcoming. Waited 20 mins to order food. Starter was over done. Main meal was excellent..however didn't have what we originally wanted. Service was pretty poor. Won't visit again.

Booked a meal for our son’s 21st Birthday. Was made to feel so uncomfortable on arrival by a lady behind the bar, she made it our issue that we were a party of 18 and that we shouldn’t be by the bar. The rudest person I’ve ever been served by, no please, welcome, thank you or acknowledgment that we were a paying customer. It annoyed her that we were ordering drinks at a bar!! The food was actually ok but the service was horrific and that was down to the one lady behind the bar that decided to take her bad day out on the paying customers. To top it off the one young lad that was actually great with us and knew how to serve paying customers came over to apologise on her behalf…..not someone you should have working for you I’m afraid because we will never come back after that experience.

What can I say Fantastic Food and the service was first class

I went with my family for food and I wasn’t disappointed, the food was lovely and the staff really friendly and helpful. The food was well priced, and could out lovely and warm. There is also a lot of different items to choose from.

Wonderful evening we had, our server was joe h, very polite an helpful with the menu , good value for money , food was very tasty an present well . Looking forward to coming again also bringing more family an friends.

My wife and myself had a meal their 2 beef dinners and pudding. This was a beautiful well do to the chef and all staff . Thank you.

Thank you, Red Lion staff, my family and I spent a week in Meliden and dined with you 3 times and ordered a takeaway on our last night. A fabulous pub, with a huge menu, kind and friendly staff and a fabulous garden for the children to have fun in. The food was amazing and nothing was too much trouble for yhe amazing staff. Thank you for helping to make our holiday memorable and fun 🙏

Claims to be dog friendly, don't be fooled it is not. Dogs are only allowed in the beer garden and considering the inclement weather these days, it's just not practicable. Don't waste your time, go to a true dog friendly venue, the William Morgan, Prestatyn. Good food, welcoming, great service and truly dog friendly!

After been recommended by friend my wife and I both decided to try for Sunday lunch . We were greeted by lovely bar lady think Tracy was her name I was offered free bottle beer been fathers day . We both ordered 2 course meal and it was lovely also staff very Friendly and helpful. Definitely be back again for lovely food.

An absolute gem of a place, food delicious, and a lovely big beer garden and play area. We will certainly return

Absolutely shocking service today, waited 30 mins just for drinks apparantley a problem with gas but wasn't told, finally got our starters but waited over an hour for mains and people who had come after got meal before us, older blonde lady very rude no customer service skills at all,no apology will never go back after her rudeness and the wait, need more staff

My meagre 3 star rating is based solely on the beer selection...pretty much nonexistent real ales ☹️ I know the food is 5 star.

Booked table for 9, Sunday Lunch for my 70th Birthday. Food good but unexceptable wait times. Waited 3/4 hr for drinks, had to keep asking staff . Other smaller tables served before us. Waited over an hr for meals. One meal didn't arrive till others finished, had to keep asking staff. Some puddings not available + again long wait. Table left with dishes not cleared. Young staff friendly but more staff needed + definitely need more staff training ,disappointed + wouldn't return.

Made to feel so welcome nothing was to much trouble staff and owners daughter very friendly.food was cooked to perfection and worth every penny we ate in restaurant every night.we stayed for 4 nights the room even though it was a budget room it was clean warm with comfortable beds tea coffee milk n suger was replenished daily breakfast was cooked to order so always fresh really enjoyed our stay we will be booking again soon

Amazing food! Only down side was they were short staffed so we had to wait a little longer, but the staff working were so friendly!

Very nice owners ,lovley staff,excellent food ,will stay again ,very reasonably priced.

Booked table for family meal for 8 of us, all ordered different meals and everything was delicious. Service was fast and friendly. Would definitely recommend and will definitely be returning

Had a great stay here and a lovely breakfast. Will definitely return when in area

Just been for a meal with my wife and must say it was absolutely beautiful, garlic mushrooms for starters followed by a roast beef dinner with all the trimmings honestly had to force myself to eat it all as I didn’t want to leave a scrap it was so nice , then to top it off I indulged in the best sticky toffee pudding with ice cream and all for just £16 . Don’t think I will need to eat again for a few days , well worth a visit mmm

Good food good quick friendly service large portions well worth a visit 👍

Good food and beer, warm and cozy. Brilliant staff. Perfect.

Myself and 2 friends stumbled across this gorgeous pub and well what a pub. We planned to just have a quick drink at lunchtime but loved it so much we booked and went back for dinner which didn't disappoint. The landlady and landlord were fabulous and very very friendly and chatty and really took time out to speak with us. All the staff were very friendly and brilliant at service. The food was fabulous. Would definitely recommend if your in the area. We will be back

Good service and a delicious burger.

Went to the red lion melidon on Saturday night two of the young staff was ok but the elder lady was awful as soon as walked in was meet by saying I was not show if I had booked but could we have a table for 4 You would have thought I was s asking for the world the look that I got Then sge sent us to our table hour later get our meal we was first in the restaurant no one else there Every one else who came in after us was given there starter then they was given there main course all before us Then a hour later after waiting again and by this time no one was in the restaurant but us Never will I go there again my husband and I have been in catering all our lifes and never have I gone though any thing like that before I feel sorry for any one who get severed by that awful person again And a good wash would not go a miss

Food was nice Yorkshire pudding was rock-hard. When we arrived lady behind bar was eating a bag of crisps and licking her fingers and serving without washing her hands

Hi all, Went today for birthday meal with family, Food not bad but a few issues. 1.pate came with no chutney which stated it came with so had to ask for it. 2.All the starters came with side salad (which was salad leaves no cucumber no tomato no onions, disappointed with this.!!!. 3.All roast stated they came with pigs in blankets half the meals missing these.

Starters weren’t to bad then it got to the main the steak was orderd medium but come out like a hobos flip flop was as dry as a nuns then to the service started ok but orderd a drink when the main come out and didn’t arrive till it was time to pay then asked for the bill and ended up having to go see miss not so happy at the bar to get it who didn’t engage in a single bit of conversation not even a hello just passed the bill wouldn’t recommend to anyone unless you want the experience of Karen’s diner without actually going to Karen’s diner

Service appalling. Woman who owns it is rude. Staff are sitting around doing nothing. Drinks take 15 minutes to come to the table. Food was over cooked and microwaved, not much was fresh at all. Wont be coming back!! Avoid

Great meal, had a Roast Dinner, beef was lovely and tender, veg well cooked, loved it. If anything there was too much on the plate and Im a big lad!!

Good food and a good menu, traditional pub with a nice welcome.

First visit for Sunday lunch since moving to the area. Every table was full and there was a lovely family atmosphere . Despite how busy the staff and the kitchen were food was served piping hot and perfectly cooked. The staff were polite and accommodating. Won’t be our last visit

Food was absolutely delicious. We opted for the Christmas party 3 course meal and it was all amazing and very reasonably priced. The young waitresses were friendly and polite. Will definitely go again.

Visited Sat 23rd Dec 23, first thing to say is young lady behind the bar and young waitress serving us were eabsolutely lovely. Ordered a rump steak for myself and Mexican chicken burger for my wife. My steak arrived and was so tough not only could I not eat it, I couldn’t even cut it with a steak knife! The onion rings were so overcooked they shattered when I cut into them, peppercorn sauce was obviously from a packet and full of MSG, chips were delicious! When the older “head waitress” asked if everything was ok I said no it wasn’t, that my steak was tough as old boots, she said wasn’t it cooked to my liking and i showed her you couldn’t cut it with a steak knife, she offered to “change it” I said no thanks I didn’t want to wait for a replacement to be cooked. I have eaten hundreds of steaks, I know rump is not the tenderest of cuts but should at least be edible. She said she would let the chef know. I’m sure this lady is an institution in the place but obviously not employed for her sunny disposition, scintillating personality or people skills in general! Anyway I left 90% of my meal. My wife chicken burger thing was tasteless and had the consistency of cardboard! The prices were very reasonable but obviously achieved by using poor quality ingredients and management who care little about customer satisfaction. When my wife went to pay our bill, there was no apology or reduction, in fact throughout the whole process we never heard the word “ sorry” although disgusted with the “head waitress’s attitude, having had a particularly stressful week at work, she couldn’t be bothered haggling so paid the bill in full and left. We will never visit again and actively discourage anyone else from doing so.

Beautiful food only giving a 4 because our table for 2 was cramped up against disabled toilet door felt uncomfortable it was literally up against it and door was open a bit my partner was sat facing me so he could smell the gents toilet everytime the door opened as it was by the wall he was sitting but as the food goes it was lovely

Great place to stay, lovely friendly staff, great breakfast, made to feel very welcome from the minute we arrived, we will be back

Great friendly service and staff. Nice meal. Reasonable prices. Highly recommended

Lovely food and a nice selection of beer and wines ... busy place but service was quick however we did book and there was a lot of us

Went for Sunday roast. Absolutely delicious 😋 had roast beef. I have scored a 4. I was a little disappointed with the choice of veg. We had peas, red cabbage and carrots & swede. Something like fresh broccoli, cauliflower, green cabbage, and brussel sprouts would have been nice. I have been before, and the choice of fresh vegetables was awesome. On that occasion, I had fresh broccoli and cauliflower cheese delicious 😋

Had a Sunday lunch is my new go to. It was awesome 👍🏻

Lovely roast beef dinner Nice service

The food is really nice,we have been a couple of times now and have never been disappointed. You can get three courses for about £16.99 and the drinks are responsible to. The staff are very friendly and helpful and always try to accommodate your needs if your dairy free or anything. Highly recommend great food and drinks and brilliant staff.

Food was really good. Bar staff not very friendly but waitresses were lovely

Popped in on burger night and wow. Excellent price and cracking food I would highly recommend

Lovely meal, great burger and a beer for £12, nice staff and atmosphere.

📣 Tuesday night is Burger Night !!! 🍔🍟. From £12-£14, depending on your choice. This includes; 🍺, 🍷 or 🥤 Superb value & absolutely delicious 😋 Christmas 🎄 menus are also available, which look equally fantastic.

Excellent food, excellent service 👌 would definitely recommend a visit. Enjoyed by everyone EXCELLENT

Absolutely lovely pub with great staff. Food is delicious.

Absolutely fantastic home made pub food, best pub food I've had in a very long time , will definitely be coming back

Good food. Dog friendly. Nice outdoor covered area for dinner with our dog. Country pub. Reasonable prices.

Absolutely lovely place, staff are so helpful and friendly. Food is fantastic proper homemade and plenty of it. Child friendly. My favourite place to go. Gorgeous gardens too xx

Very friendly and welcoming staff.Excellent menu, quick service and superb food.

What an excellent Sunday Roast!! Will be back again when back in the area. Good value, very tasty and great choice of roasts.

Sunday lunch at the Red Lion. Probably the best roast dinner to be had anywhere. Roast beef was beautifully cooked & virtually melted in the mouth. Excellent service & atmosphere. Good value for what you get. Highly recommend.

Lovely meal had the fish and chips highly recommend

Amazing Sunday lunch at the Red Lion, the Welsh Beef Brisket was just soooo good. Portion sizes were huge - hence we only managed 2 courses and not 3! Great value for money too. Staff were really friendly and helpful. Next time we’re in the area we’ll be back for another meal.

Great Sunday lunch, always excellent food and service.

Very welcoming. We ate outside in a covered area with a lovely garden. Food was lovely and plentiful. Definitely recommend.

Had the Early Bird expecting smaller portions as we don’t eat as bigger meals had a starter. Lovely. And both had Gammon absolutely beautiful wife had pudding lovely, absolutely great value £14 each. Defo going back to try Sunday lunch

Amazing food, fast service and friendly staff

It’s safe to say that this Sunday Dinner tickled my taste buds. A rich exquisite gravy, dousing over a slab of perfectly cooked honey roasted Ham. Meals were filling and warm. Left me feeling happy and satisfied. Only minor downside was they the glasses didn’t look very clean.

We had a really enjoyable evening here. The food was lovely and very good value, and they were lovely to our dogs. Would definitely recommend and go back.