Last Thursday, our new Over 25’s Social Group headed down to The Red Lion in Cosham for a casual evening of good food, drinks and conversation. Nestled in a convenient spot with solid public transport links, the pub made a great first impression; cosy, welcoming and packed with character.
So what did we think of the food? Fantastic. The prices? More than reasonable. And the atmosphere? Friendly and relaxed. But while we left with full stomachs and happy people, we also spotted a few areas where The Red Lion could ‘step up’, especially when it comes to accessibility (excuse the pun).
The Good Stuff
Let’s start with what The Red Lion absolutely nails. The food was a standout; generous portions, tasty and excellent value for money. Service was quick and the staff were top-notch: friendly, attentive and made ordering a breeze.
The seating was a highlight too, with comfortable cushioned chairs that added to the cosy and welcoming feel of the place. The group agreed that they would happily return, which is always the biggest compliment a pub can get. The location also worked well, with an easy bus route and just a short walk from the stop.
Room for Improvement
While we had a great time, there were a few small things that could be improved, particularly in terms of accessibility:
Stepping Up (Or Down) Accessibility – the seating area was on a higher level than the entrance, plus the only way up to where we were sat was via a large step. This makes things tricky for wheelchair users or anyone with mobility challenges. A simple ramp could make a world of difference. Additionally, there’s a small step near the bar that isn’t immediately noticeable, something one member of the group pointed out as a potential trip hazard. Maybe a small sign or a contrasting strip on the step would help avoid any accidental tumbles.
Sound & Subtitles – with the general buzz of a busy pub, some of our group found it difficult to communicate with the bar staff. Perhaps a quieter ordering zone could be the solution. Another small but useful tweak? Turning on subtitles for the televisions. It’s a minor change but would make things much easier for those who struggle with hearing in loud spaces.
Finding the Ladies’ Room – this one’s more of a minor inconvenience than a major issue, but a couple of people in our group had trouble locating the ladies’ toilets. A clearer sign would help first-time visitors.
Parking & Drop-Off Challenges – the car park itself wasn’t huge and some of the spaces felt a bit tight. A few of our group also mentioned they had some difficulty with drop-offs which could be something for the pub to consider, maybe a clearer designated drop-off spot?
Final Thoughts
The Red Lion gets a big thumbs-up from us. The food, staff and atmosphere were all winners, and it’s a place we’d gladly return to. With just a few small tweaks, especially around accessibility, it could go from great to exceptional. We will definitely be back (hopefully to find a newly added ramp and subtitles on the TV)!