Red Lion

We ate after a 5 mile walk, in the garden it was lovely, very busy so we did have to wait for food but it was worth the wait. We all had different meals and every one was very happy with their choices. I went for the Salmon Salad and it was so tasty and worth the price.

I was staying in the area for work and decided to have lunch before going home. Solo-dining, especially for women, can be daunting. I picked the Red Lion because it's quite large and has little nooks to hide in and dine fairly inconspicuously. This attempt was, sadly, ruined by the bar member (short grey hair, glasses, over 50), who decided to make an example of my solo-dining. As I ordered my food at the bar, she asked me if there was any other food for the table. I said no. She asked again, slowly, if that meant that there was no other food being ordered for the table: I confirmed that this was the case. She then said loudly, in a high pitched voice "Aww, just you by yourself then"? This felt patronising and insulting and I wish I had left then and there. Sadly I continued with the order of steak sandwich (rare), which turned out to be more of a lettuce and mustard sandwich with some overcooked and tough pieces of beef thrown in as an afterthought. The "bloomer" bread was standard white bread which was a little stale and the fries had been cooked a significant amount of time before serving, and had clearly been reheated. They were dry and I left most of them. Overall, an unpleasant experience marred by bad food, average beer and terrible service.

Food was a rip off, tiny portions of chips and overcooked burger. Chicken pie was the blandest pie I've ever tried. Pastry was like white playdoh. Reminded me of hospital food zero flavour. The accompanying mash tasted like Smash. Such a shame pubs these days can't be bothered to make their own pie and mash.. young waitress scowled at me upon entering,seemed like they just want your money then to leave especially the woman on the bar. Maybe because it's school holidays and a Friday I saw it at it's worst. Wouldn't return even for a drink due to the moody atmosphere.

Called in to the Red Lion tonight for our Tea to celebrate our son becoming a registered Royal charter surveyor. We had 4 different meals and all agreed the food was delicious. The pub is clean and cosy with cheerful staff ready to serve with a smile. After we had eaten we had a quick chat with the Landlady who was very welcoming . To top it off the beer garden at the rear has had a makeover since we last went and it’s a fantastic spot to soak up the afternoon sunshine with a tipple of your choice. If you’re going to Bakewell make sure you pop in you won’t regret it.

This is my second time coming to the Red lion, the staff are always happy to answer any questions you have and it always service with a smile. Menu has plenty to choose from, presentation is brilliant and every dish I saw come out the kitchen look appetising. Will be back again very soon

Nice enough from the outside so in we went seeking food. But - although no customers in at all over both main bar areas and the raised inside area the music was WAY too loud. So we went outside. Beautiful sunny day and went back in to quote the table number prominently displayed on the outside table to be told - quite abruptly - no service outside. Chef just standing around doing nothing behind the bar. To be fair saved me a few quid as a warm salad for £14+ was ludicrous in itself. Toilets need a good clean as well.