The Red Lion in Stoke Poges [AD]

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I was kindly invited to attend the pre-opening of The Red Lion, Stoke Poges which has had a makeover of it's interiors and the menu. It opens this weekend to the public and so I can now give you a sneak preview of what's on offer.

The outside of the pub is so welcoming, the lighting on the outside and warmth of the light from the door makes you feel like you're in a countryside oasis from the moment you arrive. I could imagine the beer garden in the front being a dream on a summers day with all the flowers in bloom and the parasols up. In fact, my friends and I are already plotting our return for the summer.

We walked and were welcomed by a very friendly and organised host who gave us a quick run down about how the night was going to go. We were sat by a beautiful roaring fire on comfy chairs and surrounded by thick cushions - just what you want on a cold winter's night. We helped ourselves to the gin infusions, helped along by the barman, who poured our gin, gave us our tonic and then went through all the toppings on offer from flavoured fruity syrups to an array of fruit and herb garnishes. I went for raspberry syrup with a slice of peach, a couple of blackberries and rose petals (it was hard to resist throwing everything in!). This speaks good things for the gin drink combinations available at the weekends. They also do cocktails that looked amazing - including a fabulous looking espresso martini that the table next to us had. 

The canapes in front of the fire consisted of  a selection of things from the menu, including pork skewers, deep fried brie with chutney, crab and prawn on a little crostini and perfectly cooked squid. Once we had finished we were taken into the dining room with exposed beams and low ceilings.

The Food

Where do I start with the food? The menu was so vast, alongside the extensive vegan menu shocked me initially and I was worried that the huge selection would lead to poor quality food. It was hard to imagine how they could deliver so much and do it all well. But I was glad to be shown that it can be done. The vegan menu even had a chocolate torte on it so that those who want an animal-product-free meal can do so without feeling like they're drawing the chocolate-based-short-straw which I think is important. There were 3 options for starters and that was the smallest section.

To start, all in all we ordered the salt and pepper squid, the karaage chicken, and the scallops of the day. The portions were so generous and delicious. The katsu sauce was lovely and the chicken was moist and tender. The salt and pepper squid was cooked perfectly and had no hint of rubber. The scallops were cooked perfectly and I'm told they were divine (I had the chicken). 

For mains, we had the chicken and leek pie, the buttermilk chicken with nduja sausage and the prawn and chorizo linguine. I can tell you that the pie was a proper pie as we would say up north. It had a stop and a bottom, the pastry was crispy and crumbly and not a soggy bottom in sight! The mash was cheesy and the kale which was mixed in with it was a great addition, along with the green beans and gravy. I have reports that the buttermilk chicken was a hit, and the linguine disappeared at record speed and looked as though from friend had licked the bowl! All amazing and super generous again. This place really feeds you and is great value.

Finally, it was pudding time. We just had to squeeze it in. That chocolate and peanut bomb was UNREAL. A gold chocolate ball, filled with sticky toffee pudding and peanut cream, with regular cream, ice cream and a biscuit crumb, all doused in hot caramel until it broke to reveal the yummy inside. It definitely requires a sweet tooth (which I totally have and love peanut butter with chocolate) and it would make a great sharer if you feel that you can't manage a whole one. My friends had the creme brulee (lovely, cracking top and great size in a cute teacup), the sticky toffee pudding (so amazing that Claire was telling us we must try a bite of hers) and the crumble (delicious, huge, great custard, what more do you want).

Overall the food was fab, the menu extensive, great value and you will leave feeling like you've had a good feed - all great things.

The Service

I can't fault the service. I've worked in restaurants and I know how nerve wracking and hard they can be. I was expecting things to go wrong to be honest, as they usually do on pre-openings but I was willing to overlook some mistakes but I didn't need to.

Not a single mistake was made. The staff were attentive, but not overbearing. The food came out in good time, it was all correct and hot. We were regularly offered drinks and the waiting staff were just friendly. I even asked for a main recommendation and the waitress was able to tell me her favourites on the menu. All signs that a great and efficient team is in place.

I even had the pleasure on the way out to chat to the General Manager and the Head Chef who were equally delightful.

Overall

I can't really fault The Red Lion to be honest. The interiors are great, the food is great, the service is great. I must point out that this meal was entirely free but that The Red Lion specified that they didn't want final eyes on the blog and to be completely honest, and my only feedback would be that which I gave on the night - you could reduce your portion sizes and you customers would still leave full and happy. But, that is a minor critique.

If you're in the area this weekend, go and check them out once they've opened to the public. You won't be disappointed and it was worth the 45 minute drive from Reading. As I said earlier, I'll be back :)