-The Red Lion-
2 Merchantgate, York, YO1 9TU.
01904 640 418
01904 640 418
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Look & Feel:
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Toilets:
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Review:
The Red Lion is a suitably and beautifully ancient looking pub with a history stretching back into the 13th Century but with most of its construction being 16th Century Tudor as is evident from the beams and render. It is surly one of York’s oldest pubs and for a traditional and authentic feel you can’t help but step back in time upon entering the low framed door and seeing the wealth of history hidden within. Low cosy beamed rooms, old gas style lamps, brickwork and timber panelling, three open fires, Victorian glasswork, old books and other knickknacks adorn window sills and shelves. But they have a small and disappointing range of real ales, just three very similar casks and the prices do seem to be above average for what they are serving. After being very badly flood damaged in 2016 a lot of money has been spent to put the listed building back to its original state, but you wouldn’t really notice any difference from before, it seems a missed opportunity, especially in the way that Fossgate/Walmgate has been reinvigorated in the last few years. There is plenty of outside space but as a sunken yard surrounding the building there is not much in the way of views, but it is a good space for entertainment and frequently live music events are held there. Access could be tricky though as you’d expect from such an old pub. Overall The Red Lion feels rather dated, more in what it offers from behind the bar than the décor obviously, but there are plenty of old historic pubs in York that offer so much more than simple looks and there isn’t really anything here that would persuade us to stay for a second pint.
The Red Lion is a suitably and beautifully ancient looking pub with a history stretching back into the 13th Century but with most of its construction being 16th Century Tudor as is evident from the beams and render. It is surly one of York’s oldest pubs and for a traditional and authentic feel you can’t help but step back in time upon entering the low framed door and seeing the wealth of history hidden within. Low cosy beamed rooms, old gas style lamps, brickwork and timber panelling, three open fires, Victorian glasswork, old books and other knickknacks adorn window sills and shelves. But they have a small and disappointing range of real ales, just three very similar casks and the prices do seem to be above average for what they are serving. After being very badly flood damaged in 2016 a lot of money has been spent to put the listed building back to its original state, but you wouldn’t really notice any difference from before, it seems a missed opportunity, especially in the way that Fossgate/Walmgate has been reinvigorated in the last few years. There is plenty of outside space but as a sunken yard surrounding the building there is not much in the way of views, but it is a good space for entertainment and frequently live music events are held there. Access could be tricky though as you’d expect from such an old pub. Overall The Red Lion feels rather dated, more in what it offers from behind the bar than the décor obviously, but there are plenty of old historic pubs in York that offer so much more than simple looks and there isn’t really anything here that would persuade us to stay for a second pint.
