The Red Lion Pub in Southampton

Bad treatment for a possible selection distance, racism, bad food, cleanliness at a very low level to the extent that there are mice in the corners of the restaurant

Sunday roast with Yorkie...just like mum's👍

A great find. We needed somewhere to eat while waiting to board a ship. It was busy but we enjoyed the food and the service was friendly.

I live not far from here so decided to finally try it out for myself. I love history so considering the background it was very interesting. The walls are covered in armour. The bar itself is small and we were lucky to get a table. Although we did go on a Friday evening. I did notice that tourists were coming in a lot to take pictures in the bar then leaving, so sometimes it may seem busier than what it actually is.

Amazing old Tudor pub. You feels a magic atmosphere inside, thinking that the building is about 400 years old! 😯

We were told that The Red Lion was the best pub in Southampton and we were not disappointed. Our meals were wonderful, the decor was fabulous but Nicky, the bar attendant, really made our visit memorable!! Thank you for making our very short stay so enjoyable.

Great pint, fantastic atmosphere with lovely staff.

I was intrigued from the outside and had to go in and have a look, if you like knights in armour, swords etc then this is your place. Staff was friendly and the lagers were cheap too. Comfortable enough, some upholstery needs replacing but suited our early afternoon thirsty needs.

Had a dinner here and enjoyed the atmosphere and service.

5 friends had great lunch with great pub style atmosphere

Absolutely amazing Sunday Roast. Big portions beautiful taste. Staff are lovely, warm atmosphere . Impressive 12th Century building.

Classic pub food. Definitely recommend the lamb shank and mash. Came in an ocean of excellent gravy. "Everything in moderation" does not apply to gravy". Had no idea it was an historically significant site until we walked in.

We just had a Sunday lunch … wow, great portions, lovely food and great ambiance. We will be back!

Back in Southampton for a couple of days prior to boarding a cruise vessel we made a point of heading for the Red Lion once more for both lunch and dinner and again when we returned after disembarkation before heading home to Devon. As always the food was excellent and we had the pleasure of being greeted by staff members who remembered us from previous years. Great to return, wish it was our 'local'.

Fantastic place. Always a delight. This time I took a train in so managed to have an alcolic drink. Great selection and easy to get to in the city center. It really shouldn't be missed absolutely lovely place.

Great food that was well worth the price.

Delightful staff, delicious fish and chips, nice atmosphere

What an amazing and traditional English pub! I’ve never eaten there but the bar staff are some of the most friendly and accepting of people that you would find in a pub

The best place I've ever been to have a beer and some food.The staff were marvellous.

Traditional English pub grub..Sausage and mash..fish and chips. Hire a suit of armour from here!

Apologies for been such a in convenience after all it's a Thursday night and your opening hours state 11pm yet when we arrive at 10:35 your bar moman said ( we are only serving spirits ( as all the taps are in cleaning ) and we don't sell bottles??? Yet the owners are more than happy to moan to the government about duty ect, so all 6 of us left, Note can the staff do better, no because the owners/ management won't let them Classic poor service and I would advise all Irish people to stay away from it

Had to clean our own table! Bar lady wouldn’t tell us how much longer our food would be after waiting 40 mins at this point and told us to ask waiter! Food finally came out 55 mins later. Very bad service! Children unhappy and not a nice experience!

Lovely pub good prices and friendly staff and regulars

Situated in the old part of Southampton, entering this pub felt like going back in time to medieval England. Sort of like a museum and pub rolled into one. The atmosphere is superb and the staff and locals very friendly. Although I didn't dine there this time, the menu looked great, all home cooked fair. I will definitely dine there on my next visit.

Euro 2024 was watched here. Although not the results we wanted the atmosphere and people were fantastic. Great place.

Great old English pub with very cool accessories inside.

Having been to this pub on many occasions we chose The Red Lion for a small family gathering. Nicky, the bartender, was absolutely brilliant ; cheerful, friendly and couldn't be more welcoming and helpful. We ordered our food and, whilst the chips were a little overdone ,the food was just as lovely as always. The portions are huge and the price is incredibly reasonable . Absolutely love the atmosphere of this place and we often take our out -of -town visitors here. See you again soon:-)

Absolutely phenomenal fish and chips in a classic pub setting. The best I have ever had. Crispy coating, excellent fries, peas and slaw/salad. I thoroughly cleaned my plate. A friendly barkeep takes your order at the bar and delivers the food to your table. The setting is quintessential English pub. On our visit, a number of raucous regulars were adding to the pub atmosphere. Lots of drinking, off color joking, laughter, and some vaping, but fortunately no smoking to ruin the taste of the food. Perhaps due to local regulations? Highly recommended.

Good food and service. Friendly locals.

Had a great time at the Red Lion, food was excellent and a special thank you to Chelsea for looking after us.

Lovely pub.so friendly and welcoming.dog freinfly

Been going to this pub since the age I could drink. It’s one of the eldest pubs in Southampton and has so much caricature inside. Friendly staff and a good location in town near the ferry and the shopping centre.

Service was slow. Half the Ingredients no longer available. No Yorkshire puddings and broccoli, parsnips and carrots run out.

This is a very historic building. The pub food was delicious (3 of 4 dishes were terrific- one member of our party didn't like the chips). The servers were welcoming, but the service was very slow

Weren't looking for a pub, but wifey was thirsty, and so was i, so we went in. Was really blown away with the atmosphere 😳 wow.

Stepping into The Red Lion is like taking a delightful journey back in time. This unique, medieval-themed pub offers a one-of-a-kind experience that instantly captivates with its charming decor and immersive atmosphere. From the antique wooden beams to the candlelit tables, every detail has been meticulously crafted to evoke the feel of a grand medieval hall. One of the standout features of The Red Lion is its impressive selection of drinks. Beer enthusiasts and liquor connoisseurs alike will be thrilled by the extensive menu, which boasts an array of local and international brews, as well as a curated selection of fine liquors. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty ale or a rare single malt, you’ll find something to suit your taste. The staff at The Red Lion are as exceptional as the ambiance. Their knowledge of the drink menu is commendable, and they are able to offer recommendations based on your preferences. Their friendly and attentive service enhances the overall experience, making you feel both welcome and well-cared-for throughout your visit. Overall, The Red Lion is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a truly unique pub experience. With its medieval charm, decent drink selection, and great service, it’s the perfect spot for a memorable night out. Highly recommended for those seeking a blend of history, atmosphere, and local beverages.

I really enjoyed having a drink here. I think it's haunted because my glass of beer was empty very quickly. 😄

I had come across reviews of this somewhere before and stumbled upon it by accident. It was definitely worth visiting. Nice atmosphere and nice decorations.

This was a pub that made you feel like you were transported to the Tudor era. They were welcoming and you could tell many of the patrons were local and regulars. So glad I ran into this place while visiting Southampton.

Wonderful pub, with a history dating back hundreds of years and I believe it is the oldest pub in Southampton and indeed the country, worth a look , it's very small and dark but giving it that atmosphere, the food was great , I had steak pie and it was full to bursting with very chunky steak

Went in tonight i.e the 19th and who ever that absolutely gorgeous bar lady is i hope her partner respects and values her . What a great young lady .. she refused to give me any more beer just so i wouldn't miss the last Redjet 👍I don't know your name but I made it 😂 beautiful lady looks and attitude

Wandered it and were amazed by the building but told to get out if we werent buying a drink almost immediately beathtakingly rude staff

Monday thru Thursday any 2 big meals off the list€12 good and a bargain. Historical, friendly barkeep and great beers.

Very oldie worldie lovely and friendly

Didn't try food, just had a pint. Great old pub.

Best pub in Southampton and the very first one for a pint or two x

What a lovely little pub we found here

English historic pubs need support. Michail.

Nice olde pub, with a great history. Prices were reasonable and the staff were friendly and welcoming

The chicken tenders were tasteless The wings were good but needed something to cut the heat such as blue cheese dressing or ranch.

Popped in here on a Saturday evening, a rare night out for me and the husband. The Red Lion is great! Everyone chats to everyone, the music is chosen by the customers and everyone was singing no matter what the song. Bar staff were friendly and polite. We didn't eat so can't vouch for the food, but I'm planning on going back there for lunch soon so will edit my review accordingly! Would definitely recommend The Red Lion if you like a small, friendly, local feel mixed with a lot of history. Can't wait to go back 😊

Wow wow wow. Such a great place steeped in history. Food and staff fantastic.

Sticky carpet, spit and sawdust old boozer.

Amazing food fast service and staff friendly

Went there recently for a drink. It’s an interesting pub, full of history. The only reason I took one star off is because there was a really funky smell there that made me leave after one drink as I’m very sensitive to smells. Other than that the pub was lovely.

Lots of weird men,strange atmosphere.

Who doesn't love a pub with a suit of armour on the walls? Could've done with this in the eighties when it was all a bit lairy in the town. Not today though, loved the place

It's like stepping back in time once you walk through the door from the shopping centre into a great old British medieval or even older era.

I hate pubs that allow vaping inside at the bar. I was there Saturday lunchtime for one drink only until both the bar staff and customers started vaping.

last night 11 of us had a meal which was served together and hot, food was lovely at very reasonable price, great atmosphere and music . Had a great night.

If you want to eat original English food, this is the right place for you. Chicken wings or BBQ chicken are highly recommended. Simply order the drinks at the front and take them with you. The food is delivered. A nice Foster beer. Tastes very good with food. The service is very patient and the guests are very pushy ;). Don't forget to tip 10 to 15%.

A typical pub! The beer advice was great and so was the food! I had chicken in barbecue... A huge portion and super tasty 😋 The two of us were on the 1st floor, we took the drinks with us and the food was brought.

Had a birthday meal here with 7 others and enjoyed it immensely. Great chef, someone had the mixed grill, which is a challenge to cook let alone eat! Reasonable selection of beer at a reasonable price.

Great little pub with a lot of history. Food excellent and very well priced. Very nice atmosphere aswell, will be back again

Good place to visit, sit down, have a drink and soak up the atmosphere.

Ein wunderschöner, alter Pub mit Geschichte. Toll eingerichtet - lädt zum Verweilen ein. Tolle Auswahl an verschiedenen Bieren und leckere Snacks dazu 😋 Preis-Leistung ist super und auf jeden Fall einen Besuch wert!

Oldest pub in Southampton, great staff, a haunted atmosphere and good priced home made food. You will not be disappointed, a must visit in Southampton. Update 12th March 2018, the mixed grill is amazing.

Had Sunday lunch was average really for the price

Great pub. One you have to visit.

Jade is an exceptional and attentive bartender, I've never had such a thoughtful and proactive bartender and I am lucky she was there.

Could do with an open fire and more to attract done to attract a different crowd

A pie fit for a pre battle meal with the French.

A unique pub full of history and excellent food. The beer is well kept. A few 'local characters there. My only criticism is that I'd like my egg yolks runny next time please.

Proper English pub. Recommended

400+ Yrs Old Pub, 20+ Beer on Tap

The best roast dinner in Southampton by far. My husband loves the chicken and ribs, if you are a big eater this is the place for you. Food is outstanding.

Great place, brilliant Roasts...

..prijemna atmosfera, dobre jedlo a pitie! vsetko sa objednava a plati pri bare, jedlo vam donesu ku stolu. Fish and chips je vyborne!

Great pub, good history, and great service 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

We normally stay overnight in Southampton before and after going on a cruise and, on this occasion, we travelled from our home in Devon a few days earlier as our 56th. wedding anniversary fell a couple of days prior to embarkation and we thought we would celebrate it in The Red Lion, our usual watering hole when in the city. The place proved to be as excellent as ever and we had our evening meals there on the Friday and Saturday as well as having an excellent Sunday lunch the day before we sailed. The England v Argentina Rugby World Cup match was broadcast in the pub on the Friday and the England victory added to our enjoyment. Saturday, which was our anniversary, also saw the Rugby World Cup Final between South Africa and New Zealand broadcast in the pub and the Springbok's narrow victory after a hard fought match was the icing on our anniversary celebrations together with celebratory complimentary drinks from the proprietor. Superb, ancient, historic pub that should not be missed.

Had a lovely evening here. A very pleasant meal and some good Real Ale. Staff friendly and inter sting and a very atmospheric Pub

What an amazing place atmosphere is electric staff are super friendly and welcoming the food is stunning huge portions fab value for money will definitely be visiting again when next in Southampton

We were in Southampton for weekend for football and found this pub when walking through the main shopping area. We decided to eat there on the Friday evening and the food was so good we ate there again on the Saturday evening, that says it all. The food was freshly cooked fish and chips, ribs and burgers were amazing, great value and large portions. Definitely give this place a visit in Southampton you won’t regret it

Don’t know what’s happening here but not the friendly place it used to be, had one drink and left, with so many options in town I won’t bother going back

We had dinner here tonight. There is a very good choice on the menu and prices are reasonable. We had fish and chips and bangers and mash. The food was amazing. The pub itself is amazing dating from Norman times and has a strong connection to King Henry V. The barmaid seemed a bit overworked but was very nice.

An amazing experience in a pub steeped in history and clearly one which values its history. We had a great meal there of fish and chips and bangers and mash. Portions were large and the food excellent. The barmaid was friendly and managed a busy workload very well.

We were so pleased with our meal at the Red Lion, they booked us in (8of us) despite having already 2 large parties in the restaurant. They let us eat in their very atmospheric bar with our dogs, the decor and the feel of the place is really something else, we loved it!! The food was spectacular, generous portions at a very reasonable price! We also loved the fact that it is very popular with the locals which is always the best sign. There was no vegan option but we knew to expect that. Thank you Red Lion!

Great atmosphere and history, also enjoyed the cider.

Nice old pub. Had drinks one day back for Sunday Roast just after. Really good food, service and drinks.

Great food and massive portions. Cannot fault the whole place.

A beautifully typical local pub! Good drinks at really good prices, everyone seemed to know everyone else, the service was friendly, and the food was excellent. We made several friends over the course of a few hours one evening. The clientale were also friendly and took an interest in us because we were from elsewhere. It was just an overall wonderful time and we are definitely going back!

We have now had two events in the back function room at the Red Lion and both times there was problems. Bad communication, and not feeling welcome at all by senior staff. No doubt as a pub they are great and the food seems fantastic but it would be safe to say that outsiders are not welcome.

Lovely welcome,character of the pub was great,the steak pie was like what grannie made full of meat unbelievably delicious 😋

Great pub with a traditional feel. The food was good and a good price.

Great historic atmosphere. Great service from staff. All servers were friendly, lively crowd very good food. A must spot when in Southampton.

Food was delicious, beer was excellent, service was friendly and professional and the Red Lion has an excellent ambiance and a historic relevance.

Very cool old school Tudor pub with lots of character. Bartenders were great and very good selection of beers and a few ciders.

Great roast dinner really big and tasty can never eat it all so given a container to take home. Staff are friendly and helpful. Would recommend

Visited the Red Lion twice on a recent trip to Southampton and we found the lamb shank and fish & chips to be excellent. There was a large selection of draught beers and the atmosphere was very social, with football and rugby on the tele.

We had two wonderful meals at this classic pub when visiting Southampton. We had lamb shanks the first night - delicious and filling, and fish 'n chips the second night. Both meals were delivered promptly despite the fact that the place was hopping. The bar staff and food servers were friendly and responsive. We'd highly recomment this spot!