Red Lion, Withington

The oldest pub in Withington (also Grade II listed) and the only one of the three Lions in the village remaining. This 17th century inn appears to be a ‘pub for all seasons’. The long, low whitewashed exterior festooned with hanging baskets gives an ‘olde worlde’ impression. The interior presents a similar bewildering contrast, with the original structure at the front of the building being a low-ceilinged vault area. As you progress back through the building, it opens up into a larger bar with a more mainstream feel that leads off into a cavernous conservatory and access to the garden. The garden was a former bowling green which for now consists of an extensive and most welcome outdoor seating area, making this a very popular pub in summer. This mix of environments encourages a broad mix of clientele. An extensive refurbishment by owner's, JW Lees in early 2022 saw the focus of the pub change markedly from that of a TV sports pub to a more upmarket, dining and drinking experience.