The Red Lion and Sun London Review
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Hungry in Highgate? Looking for a post-frolic-on-the-Heath meal? Red Lion and Sun is your bet. With a classy-rustic vibe, like a Hamptons house transplanted into North London’s finest village, this made-over boozer is a welcomed addition to the neighbourhood. A fresh paintjob brightens up a solarium opening onto a gorgeous stone floored patio, with greenery climbing high up a wall, vying for space with great pine and birch trees.
Wooing us with a chilled Mommessin Beaujolais (the perfect option for when you feel like a red on a sticky summer’s evening) owner Heath Ball (who was part of the brains behind Shoreditch’s mega-dope Drunken Monkey) says he’s put up with some abuse from locals – as many pub refurbishers do. Sent a postcard, and named a ‘yuppie moron’ by one disgruntled character, Ball finds it peculiar as he’s made a point of keeping the price of food down, which is too true. The food is top level, prepared by Andy Evans – who did time at both The Ivy and Gordon Ramsay on Hospital Rd - but costs, on average, between £6 and £7 per dish.
We start with the creamy asparagus soup which is tasty with gristly bits to remind you the menu is seasonal. My friend has the potted Morecambe Bay shrimps with granary toast – a butter, anchovy and pepper sauce gives this bold starter a tart flavour. The meals and starters kind of dance back and forth over a very thin line distinguished vaguely by price and size.
For mains we go for the free range chicken and and white claw crayfish pie – which was pretty heavy but delicious with a thick creamy filling and flakey pastry – not quite a summer meal but we’re hungry. The well-prepared trout was decorated in a mild caper sauce and super tender on the inside. All of it came with a nice choice of sides – we tried the crunchy green beans and a rocket, julienned carrot and tomato side salad. Chips, mash and spinach are also options which go for £2.50.
Ladies be warned: the Red, Lion and Sun has the nicest pub bathrooms in London (well, from our experience). Trust me; you won’t want to go back to your table. Spacious, with L’Occitane lemon soap, moisturizer and the ridiculously cool Air Blade dryer – a contraption that is taking the city by storm; this place is bringing public peeing to the next level.
Check out Saturdays when an acoustic guitarist plays alongside the front-garden spit offering roast pork and salad for only 7 quid.
Chloe McCloskey (27 06 2007)
The Red Lion and Sun London Description
The Red Lion and Sun re-opened on the 8th May 2007 after a refurbishment. Set in beautiful Highgate Village (zone 3), with two beer gardens and beautiful interior the pub is a real find. It is a country pub in the heart of London. Saturday's over summer the Red Lion fire up their spit and roast whole pigs/lambs on the spit in their front garden. Sunday's is that great British tradition of Sunday roast. The front garden can seat up to 140 people while their rear Garden can seat 35.
Customer Reviews for The Red Lion and Sun
The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid London and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of The Red Lion and Sun.
“I have eaten here three times since Xmas - every meal has been excellent. Best steak and chips I have had for a long time - hard for me now to choose anything else if it is on the menu. Under 18s ok until 8pm, which thankfully means that Cafe Rouge is no longer our only option....”
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Liz Thompson, London (2 years 6 months 23 days ago)
“Great, friendly pub with a chilled atmosphere, reasonably priced drinks and quality, value for money food.
Ideal place to catch up with friends, have a Sunday lunch at or go to the weekend (open till late).
I feel very lucky to have this as a local (the extra 5 minutes walk for me is worth it! :-)
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Hannah, London (2 years 10 months 9 days ago)
“Love this place.
I know several locals don't like the transformation of the Red Lion but I think they are just the types of people who like to complain for the sake of it.
The new owner (independant) is a top bloke called Heath, who has spent vast sums of money and much time turning this from a 'traditional' (run down) pub in to a beautiful family friendly pub for the 21st century.
It retains it's old day charm (wood panneling, open fires, edwardian paint colours) but offers a bright clean environment to meet friends and enjoy yourselves.
They have 2 great beer gardens ideal for summer and open fires to make it cosy in winter.
Great food, all prepared by several full time chefs AND (best of all) a late license.”
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AndyC, London (2 years 10 months 10 days ago)
“Went here for a quiet drink and ended up having the best value meal in ages. Braised beef with mash, potted shrimp and good bread, delicious pea soup and good old scampi in a basket! good pints of ale. unpretentious, comfy atmosphere and a crackling real wood fire!”
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Bill, London (2 years 11 months 2 days ago)
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Additional Information
- Disabled Access
- Food
- Non-Smoking Area
- Children Allowed
- Live Music
- Cuisine Type: Pub
- Average Price: £15.00
- (Unknown)
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