Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="950" height="525" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2017/10/redlion-exterior-slide.jpg" alt="Red Lion Odiham Hampshire" class="wp-image-10370" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2017/10/redlion-exterior-slide.jpg 950w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2017/10/redlion-exterior-slide-300x166.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2017/10/redlion-exterior-slide-768x424.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2017/10/redlion-exterior-slide-720x398.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<p>A historic fixture in the town with aged beams and bags of character, <a href="https://www.redlionodiham.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The&nbsp;Red Lion</a>&nbsp;has sat on Odiham&#8217;s High Street for 500 plus years. Part of the independent, Farnham-based New Dawn pubs company, in 2017 it&nbsp;reclaimed its original name and became a fully-fledged gastropub and B&amp;B. </p>



<p>Well connected in North Hampshire, the cosy, Grade II-listed pub is just a stone&#8217;s throw from the M3, Berkshire and Surrey borders. Family and dog-friendly with boutique rooms, it makes a great bolt hole for local attractions or as a jumping-off point for longer trips.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/RedLion_Odiham_bar_window-1000x667.jpg" alt="The Red Lion pub bar inn Odiham Hampshire " class="wp-image-36041" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/RedLion_Odiham_bar_window-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/RedLion_Odiham_bar_window-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/RedLion_Odiham_bar_window-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/RedLion_Odiham_bar_window.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Close to transport connections but feeling like a world away in this historic village, The Red Lion Odiham is friendly, comfortable and suitable for pretty much everyone. When we arrived on Friday evening it was buzzing. Busy, but not rammed, with locals enjoying drinks and a meal, including a few families and well-behaved dogs.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/Red-Lion-Odiham-bar-tables.jpg" alt="Tables and aviation decor at the Red Lion Odiham Hampshire pub inn " class="wp-image-36046" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/Red-Lion-Odiham-bar-tables.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/Red-Lion-Odiham-bar-tables-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/Red-Lion-Odiham-bar-tables-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/Red-Lion-Odiham-bar-tables-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The ceiling&nbsp;features gorgeous character wooden beams contrasted with modern prints on the walls. The furniture and décor are relaxed with local aviation nods &#8211; the RAF airforce base is just around the corner &#8211; and weathered leather seating. Think one-part countryside rustic to one-part subtly stylised.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pillow-talk">PILLOW TALK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/RedLion_Odiham_newbedroom.jpg" alt="Bedroom at The Red Lion Odiham Hampshire pub with rooms places to stay" class="wp-image-36045" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/RedLion_Odiham_newbedroom.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/RedLion_Odiham_newbedroom-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/RedLion_Odiham_newbedroom-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/RedLion_Odiham_newbedroom-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Up the stairs at the back of the pub, The Red Lion has seven stylish, aviation-titled rooms, newly and tastefully refurbished in 2024. Blending character features like large sash windows and gnarled wooden beams with contemporary pendant lights and upholstered chairs, all of the rooms have Nespresso machines with Hampshire-roasted Mozzo Coffee and large, very comfortable beds. (So comfortable infact, Mr. Muddy drops off in mere minutes). </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Red-Lion-Odiham-Bathroom-min-1000x750.jpg" alt="Bathroom at The Red Lion Odiham Hampshire pub with rooms inn" class="wp-image-30924" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Red-Lion-Odiham-Bathroom-min-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Red-Lion-Odiham-Bathroom-min-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Red-Lion-Odiham-Bathroom-min-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Red-Lion-Odiham-Bathroom-min-700x525.jpg 700w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Red-Lion-Odiham-Bathroom-min.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Immaculately clean bathrooms all have dual showers, white robes and ESPA smellies. And fear not if the idea of character inns conjures up leaky taps and chilly ablutions. At The Red Lion, the large shower heads pump out hot water, and then some.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/RedLion_Odiham_restaurant.jpg" alt="the Red Lion pub inn Odiham Hampshire" class="wp-image-36044" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/RedLion_Odiham_restaurant.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/RedLion_Odiham_restaurant-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/RedLion_Odiham_restaurant-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/RedLion_Odiham_restaurant-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>After a quick bag drop and refresh, we head downstairs and plump for a bottle of Argentinian Malbec from the good selection of well-priced wines.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/Red-Lion-Odiham-tart-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-36048" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/Red-Lion-Odiham-tart-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/Red-Lion-Odiham-tart-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/Red-Lion-Odiham-tart-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/Red-Lion-Odiham-tart.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Local and seasonal produce features on the pleasing menu of pub classics and contemporary dishes. Our starters of a tasty homemade tart and a warming bowl of soup with freshly-baked sourdough get the meal off to a good start.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/Red-Lion-Odiham-pie-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-36050" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/Red-Lion-Odiham-pie-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/Red-Lion-Odiham-pie-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/Red-Lion-Odiham-pie-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/Red-Lion-Odiham-pie.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Having enviously eyed the neigbouring table&#8217;s food, for the main event, we copy them and both order a hearty pie with buttery mash and vegetables &#8211; a meaty one for Mr. Muddy and a delicious veggie option with sweet potatoes in it for me. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/Red-Lion-Odiham-cheeseboard.jpg" alt="Cheeseboard The Red Lion Odiham Hampshire" class="wp-image-36051" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/Red-Lion-Odiham-cheeseboard.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/Red-Lion-Odiham-cheeseboard-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/Red-Lion-Odiham-cheeseboard-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/Red-Lion-Odiham-cheeseboard-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>On to pudding and a winter-warming, hearty crumble and custard for Mr. Muddy. Influenced by the malbec I&#8217;m still savouring, I have a total blow-out and nibble my way through an excellent English cheese board featuring Rosary Ash, Sussex Charmer, Cranmore Dorset Blue with sweet onion marmalade. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/Red-Lion-Odiham-Breakfast-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-36049" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/Red-Lion-Odiham-Breakfast-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/Red-Lion-Odiham-Breakfast-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/Red-Lion-Odiham-Breakfast-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/12/Red-Lion-Odiham-Breakfast.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>In the morning, there&#8217;s fresh croissants, cereal and juice waiting on the small breakfast buffet and plenty of hot options to choose from on the menu. My pick &#8211; a hearty veggie breakfast and hot cappuccino &#8211; sets me up beautifully for the day.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Odiham-Castle-HR.jpg" alt="Odiham Castle Hampshire " class="wp-image-30931" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Odiham-Castle-HR.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Odiham-Castle-HR-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Odiham-Castle-HR-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Odiham-Castle-HR-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Odiham-Castle-HR-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The town of Odiham is super quaint and very rustic, with a handful of independent boutiques and shops. Perfect for burning off any over indulgence, head out like we did and walk the 1.2-ish miles to explore the ruins of King John&#8217;s <a aria-label="Odiham Castle (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryside/finder/odihamcastle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Odiham Castle</a>. If you really feel like splashing out, <a aria-label="Galleon Marine (opens in a new tab)" href="https://galleonmarine.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Galleon Marine</a> offer kayak hire and narrow boat and paddle boat trips on the Basingstoke Canal.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="613" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/The-Vyne-National-Trust.jpg" alt="The Vyne National Trust" class="wp-image-19392" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/The-Vyne-National-Trust.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/The-Vyne-National-Trust-300x184.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/The-Vyne-National-Trust-720x441.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/The-Vyne-National-Trust-768x471.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Nearby National Trust big hitter <a aria-label="The Vyne (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-vyne" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Vyne</a> is under 20 minutes&#8217; drive. Or (depending on who&#8217;s coming) go a bit further for <a aria-label="The Bombay Sapphire Distillery (opens in a new tab)" href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/bombay-sapphire-distillery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bombay Sapphire Distillery</a> (30 minutes) and <a aria-label="Legoland (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.legoland.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Legoland</a>, 35 minutes&#8217; away over the Berks border.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CHILD FRIENDLY?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="648" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/10/Red-Lion-Odiham-kids-toy-boxes.jpg" alt="Toy boxes Red Lion Odiham child friendly stay" class="wp-image-24322" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/10/Red-Lion-Odiham-kids-toy-boxes.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/10/Red-Lion-Odiham-kids-toy-boxes-300x194.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/10/Red-Lion-Odiham-kids-toy-boxes-720x467.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/10/Red-Lion-Odiham-kids-toy-boxes-768x498.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/10/Red-Lion-Odiham-kids-toy-boxes-810x525.jpg 810w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>You can book an extra bed (£30pp) or cot free of charge in your room for one child or for larger families, there are interconnecting rooms. Once you get here, it&#8217;ll be kitted out age appropriately with loaned toys, colouring pencils and books. Downstairs in the pub, the kid&#8217;s menu features favourites like burgers, sausages, fish and chips and pasta, and there&#8217;s a small roast option on Sundays.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">DOG FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>Yep! Owners and their pooch can share one of the dog-friendly rooms for an extra £15 a night – kitted out with treats and water bowl. They&#8217;re also welcome in the pub itself.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ACCESSIBILITY</h2>



<p>The side entrance to the pub is suitable for wheelchair and pushchair access, with just one small step and a bigger doorway than the front entrance. There&#8217;s a disabled loo on the ground floor. As a listed heritage inn, bedrooms are above the pub and can only be accessed by at least one staircase. Dogs, including assistance dogs, are welcome.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Cosy couple getaways, pet owners that like to take their pooches out for a pint and families, young and old. It&#8217;s also a great spot to take your parents. There&#8217;s easy parking (a car park around the back and 2 hours of free street parking). </p>



<p><strong>Not for: </strong>Avant-garde foodie experiences. The food here is brilliant but simple pub and bistro fare &#8211; so not for those hunting for Hampshire&#8217;s version of The Fat Duck.</p>



<p><strong>The Damage:</strong>&nbsp;Reasonable. With starters at around £9 and most main meals hovering around the £18-£20 mark, it&#8217;s on the higher end of &#8216;budget&#8217; but with excellent quality. Wines by the glass are £5-£13 and from £24 by the bottle. Rooms start at £115 for a double, including breakfast.</p>



<p><em>The Red Lion, 102 High Street Odiham Hampshire RG29 1LP. Tel. 01256 701145, <a href="https://www.redlionodiham.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">redlionodiham.co.uk</a></em></p>


Review: The Red Lion, Odiham

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