Red Lion, Swanage

About us

Situated in the heart of Swanage, The Red Lion pub is a traditional family-run establishment serving local beers, ales and hearty, old-fashioned pub grub.

Sample a variety of real ales, perries and ciders in the cosy bar area or enjoy your drink outside in the pub’s sizeable beer garden.

Mix up your week by keeping an eye out for the Red Lion’s fun quiz nights and meet friends for a game of pool.

The team at The Red Lion also always join the town with whatever’s going on, be it supporting Swanage’s trick-or-treating at Halloween with a sweetie stop for the kids, or hosting bands for the bi-annual Swanage Blues Festival.

Facilities

Car parkOutside areaSmoking areaDartboardFootballTerrestrial TV

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Reviews

937 reviews

4.2/5

James Webb

2 years ago

Such a shame, this pub has gone massively downhill recently since previous visits. New ownership going the wrong way? Previously we've been able to choose from a large range of local traditional ciders, this time absolutely nothing available - a recent visit in between Xmas and NY. Were told bluntly food was not available. Better options in the area (the fantastic black Swan up the road, for one). Really hope this place turns around soon, the pub itself is a great building, nice little garden, good crowds.

Paul Morrow

2 years ago

We often visit Swanage and have been to this pub many times for drinks but this was our first time for food. The staff were very friendly and efficient but the food was something of a let down. Don't get me wrong, it was okay, but just okay. We wouldn't think of going back again to eat there but we would go back for drinks.

phil hemsley

2 years ago

Wife ordered a steak an ale pie, I ordered a thai curry. After 10 minutes we were told there are no steak pies. We can have chicken pie. So she ordered sausage and mash. Mash was lumpy and gravy was watery. My curry was very watery and the chicken tasted like boiled chicken. I asked for a drink and was told........ in a minute.

Sandvergene

2 years ago

I would really have liked to give the red lion 5 stars however after coming here for the past 15 years found the staff unwelcoming and unaccommodating. We happened to visit while the folk festival was in town and the atmosphere was amazing this was dampened by who I assume was the manager who turned to the musicians and rudely said "I have had enough of this, pack up and go home " this in my opinion was rude and unreasonable there are ways of telling patrons that the place is closing and this was not the way . I don't know if they have changed owners or managers but the feel of the place has changed for the worse. Don't get me wrong the food is still good and they keep a good pint however I would reccomend this pub but with the caveat that certain staff members may not provide the experience expected.

Ashley Babbs

2 years ago

I think this is my first ever non 5 star review, have visited the pub before for drinks and all has been fine. However visited yesterday a barmaid rudely told us a single diner was eating at the large table we had just sat down at, there was a 2 seater table free he could have sat at, apparently the food was “on the table”, not sure what the food was as it and any cutlery was completely invisible! Their loss our large group when to the pub down the road who were much more welcoming, business at the Red Lion must be good to turn down at least 2 rounds for 14 people? Best part of £100 at least!