Old Red Lion

just read the reviews of the red lion
are there two pubs of the same namein kislingbury
we too visited on a groupon voucher this lunchtime
all i can say is
lovely meal
lovely atmosphere
nice gentle service
first class in every way

We went to the restaurant on a groupon deal with high hopes due to the awards they had achieved in past years. When we arrived our table was ready, coats taken and menus given. We also found out that they had a new chef so the awards in our eyes weren’t valid any more. The groupon deal stated that only 2 items on the menu would carry supplements but upon looking, nearly half the items actually carried a supplement. A few of the items that didn’t carry a supplement were also sold out so we were very limited to the choices without having to pay more. We ordered and waited over half and hour for our starter to come. (it did state that you may have to wait up to 40 mins as they had been very busy with the groupon offer) the starter was very nice but only ruined as we then had to wait over an hour and 10 mins for our main course. We had already drunk the £20+ bottle of wine and were reluctant to pay for another. I asked for a glass of tap water only to be brought a bottle of water. When I said that I asked for tap water I was told we don’t do tap water! Upon mentioning that they must have taps in the building, I was told that if I wanted tap water I would have to go to the toilets and get my own! She was very rude. I then decided that I was not going to pay for the water (which wasn’t in a sealed bottle so probably was their own water but filtered) and sent it back only for the landlady to storm up to the table, slam the water back on the table and say did I ask you to pay for it! She was very rude and came across threatening.
When the meal finally came we got a half hearted apology and was left to eat. It was ok but nothing special.
In short a very dissappointing meal with terrible rude service. Not recomended at all!

Tried this place just on the off chance and we left very impressed.
On arrival we were greeted by the Landlord and one of the regulars who not only sang the praises of the beer (Tim Taylor: Landlord) but was picking up some homemade fish and chips to take home, always a good sign.
It turns out the pub had belonged to previous generations of current landlords Pauls family and there are various pictures (and copies of original lease) around the bar to prove it.
We had a wonderful meal in the restaurant then back to the bar for a couple more drinks and more chat with the friendly locals.
It turns out they even offer a free lift home service for evening diners which could come in very handy indeed.
They also do all sorts of other specials such as steak nights and meal deals along with a beer festival and even a sponsered bungy jump!
All in all a pleasant proper country pub with excellent food and drinks and a great atmosphere.