640 High Rd Leytonstone, Bushwood, London E11 3AA

About This Pub

Ah, The Red Lion – it's one of those pubs that just feels like a proper local haunt, you know? I've heard it's been around since 1870, and it really shows in the best way, with that warm, welcoming feel that's been spruced up nicely. The staff are absolute legends; they're always cheerful and on point, whether you're grabbing a quick drink or settling in for a meal. Speaking of food, the classics like pie and mash or fish and chips are spot on – full of flavour and presented like they mean it, plus they've got some great vegan picks that impressed me. The garden's a lovely spot for a relaxed catch-up, especially on a sunny day, and there's a good mix of drinks to suit everyone, from craft beers to mocktails. On the flip side, I have to say, a few pals mentioned the Sunday roast portions feeling a tad stingy for the cost, so if you're after something substantial, you might want to go for other options or share a few plates. All in all, it's a cracking place for a pint and a natter, but just keep an eye on the prices to avoid any surprises – still, I'd pop back in a heartbeat for the atmosphere alone.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The staff are incredibly friendly and attentive, always up for a chat and making sure everything runs smoothly.
  • The food is a real highlight, with delicious options like fish and chips, classic pies, and plenty of vegan choices that are beautifully presented.
  • It's got a welcoming atmosphere that mixes locals and newcomers, perfect for unwinding in the refurbished garden or enjoying live sport.
  • A great selection of drinks on offer, from fine beers and wines to some excellent non-alcoholic options, catering to all tastes.
  • The venue feels versatile for different occasions, whether it's a quiet meal, a birthday celebration, or catching up with mates in the cosy setting.
Cons
  • Some dishes, like the Sunday roast, can have disappointingly small portions for the price, which might leave you wanting more.
  • There are occasional grumbles about value for money on certain menu items, so it's worth checking before splashing out.
  • While most experiences are positive, a few folks have noted that it can get a bit pricey overall, especially if you're after a hearty feed.

Contact Information

640 High Rd Leytonstone, Bushwood, London E11 3AA
+442081610953
Pub
Hours not available

Opening Hours

Opening hours not available

Location

Recent Reviews

The staff were very good and attentive and the fish and chips was very good. Now on to the part I don't like and would not recommend my friends or someone who had a proper Sunday roast. We had the trio (£24), for the price is not bad on the menu, it doesn't look too bad either. But the meat portion was small (the chicken portion I got was like 2 chicken nuggets, pork was about 5cm x 5 cm x 5cm and a 3 bite max piece of medium cooked beef (was cooked very well). That's not the bad part, it was pretty tasteless (the beef definitely wasn't aged). I used up all my gravy and added a lot of salt like Salt Bae in order to eat it (I had never ever added salt to a Sunday roast). The vegetables were well cooked but again tasteless, only saving grace was the potatoes which tasted amazing. Bloody mary was also good. Definitely will not have the roast again, but will have the fish and chips. KFC is next door, so is also a good option after a drink.
PW
Phillip Wong
Absolutely love this place. The vibe is always spot onn a proper mix of locals and newcomers, and the staff are legends.. Super friendly, always up for a chat, and service is quick even when it’s busy speaking of which the staff of subject Meghana's service, in particular, was truly commendabl attentive, efficient, and added to the welcoming atmosphere. Great selection of beers, loads of craft options alongside the classics. And the Sunday roast? Unreal. Perfectly cooked meat, crispy roasties, and gravy that actually has flavor (not just watered-down stock like some places). In the summer, the outdoor seating is a game changer. Whether you’re here for a chilled pint, live music, or just a solid night out, The Red Lion never disappoints. Highly recommend!
AR
Ashritha Rao
I had a fantastic meal at The Red Lion today! The classic pie and mash dish was beautifully presented, with creamy mashed potatoes, a perfectly golden and flaky pie, and a side of vibrant greens. The rich gravy added the perfect finishing touch. The ambiance was cozy and inviting, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed meal. Pairing it with a crisp glass of white wine made the experience even better. A special shoutout to Lily for her amazing service! She was attentive, friendly, and made sure everything was perfect. It’s always a pleasure to be served with such warmth and professionalism. If you're looking for hearty, well-cooked comfort food in a charming setting with top-notch service, I highly recommend giving this place a try!
VH
V Hristova
I took an old friend out for her birthday and we sampled several dishes from the vegan/vegetarian list and had a glass each of one of her favourite wines, Primitivo. Overall, we thought the service was extremely friendly and attentive without being pushy. The food scored 10/10 on presentation, although broccoli stems were extremely tough and hispi cabbage had several tough and undercooked leaves. White bean houmous lovely, padron peppers equally so. Veggie burger very tasty and filling. At 50% off food that day, we weren't in a mood to be critical. However, we might have had more wine if it hadn't cost almost £20 for 2 glasses. Leytonstone is not the West End.
CF
Community Fridge at Transition Leytonstone
The Red Lion has been absolutely fantastic since its refurbishment—if you haven't seen the garden yet, it's a must! The drink-only bar is a great addition offering a solid selection. They have great vegan options and an impressive range of non-alcoholic drinks, which is always a plus. We've already been twice since the reopening: Sunday for a roast and Monday evening, and it was excellent. The staff were super helpful and welcoming. This place has definitely become my go-to spot in Leytonstone—highly recommended! They are planning activities, and I really hope they will add a yoga (vinyasa) class in the function room, as well as some jazz sessions
MH
Maxime Hardy

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