KENT ON SUNDAY REVIEW
Sundays are about long drives in the country, enjoying country meals and looking forward to a hearty meal. But it is increasingly difficult to find places that serve food in the evening and have an extensive selection of dishes still on the menu when you arrive starving and full of hope.

 

The Red Lion in Wingham will not only fill a hole but will leave you eager to return so you can enjoy the other dishes. It has a chocolate box charm that makes you feel like you are in the heart of the countryside. It is quaint but not dirty like so many other old establishments that think to clean the cobwebs would be like transforming the building. When I dined at the restaurant last week with my other half we had our drinks and menus carried through to the restaurant by a friendly chap who showed us to our table. It was decorated with framed paintings and sketches on a culinary theme. Fairy lights were twinkling from the potted trees in each corner and the music was at the level where you could hold a conversation and not be disturbed. After pondering what to have for my starter, I asked our waiter's advice and he recommended flat mushrooms stuffed with sweetly roasted garlic and cheddar cheese with a salad garnish that was very moorish. My boyfriend, who is much more decisive, had warmed goat's cheese salad that was strong and crumbly, with salad and crutons.

 

For main course, I opted for the roast chicken witha divine sausagemeat, bacon and sage stuffing accompanied by fresh vegetables and roast potatoes. The stuffing was out of this world, and traditional roast dinners done well are a joy. There was certainly no microwaving of vegetables or 'plastic meat', although being a fussy madam I was disappointed to have more chicken leg than breast on my plate. Wanting something a little different, my partner chose tuna steak in a creamy tomato and caper sauce that he said was spicy and thick. He did have to admit defeat and scrape the capers off midway through the dish because, they were so 'tangy'. But he said it was a choice he would most definitely make again. Puddings are always my favourite, but having two courses and feeling more than full I opted for a small bowl of Salcombe Dairy strawberry ice cream which was lusciously creamy and reminded me of a recent holiday in Salcombe, with its rolling hills and secluded bays. Always willing to try to eat as much as Mr Creosote (but failing) it was freshly made raspberry creme brulee for Simon. It was eaten as though it was the last pudding he would eat again - 10/10.

 

A glass of rose and beer made this great value for money (the bill for two came to £54.10) and we will return soon.
Alice Seaman, Gourmet Review Kent on Sunday

 

In 1252 permission was granted for the creation of a market in the village and this is the origin of the notably wide high street which The Red Lion Inn overlooks. The foundations of the Pub were laid in 1286 and the site remained under church ownership until the dissolution when the building became a private residence. The location has served as an inn since 1650. The Red Lion Inn has played a central role in the local area throughout history. Between 1703 and 1886, regular meetings of Court of The Petty Sessions were held in the upper room of the building, which now serves as a guest room. A ledger of minutes of some of these meetings, including entries of treason and smuggling, amongst others, is preserved and on display in the bar area. Film fans may recognise The Red Lion Inn from Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's 1944 classic 'A Canterbury Tale'. Appearing as 'The Hand of Glory', the pub was used for interior shots including the outstanding stained glass windows that are still a feature of our guest accommodation.

VERDICT

Quality of food 9
Service and waiting 9
Style and ambience 9
Overall comment
Delicious and delightful
0-10 0 being very poor,
10 being excellent.

 

For any enquiries, email : redlionwingham@btinternet.com