East Chisenbury, SN9 6AQ
Harden's survey result
Summary
North of Stonehenge, this thatched pub “continues its high standards” and is a “firm favourite” for a widespread fan club who travel to visit it. “It’s a lovely team for whom the food is the star of the show”: “we’ve never had a bad meal and just wish we lived nearer!”. “It looks like a pub, but it’s more like fine dining”.
Summary
“A seriously fabulous al- rounder that’s so much more than a village pub” – Guy & Brittany Manning’s “lovely hidden-away thatched gastropub” is north of Stonehenge, and its convenience to the A303 helps make it one of the most commented-on rural pubs in our annual diners’ poll. “It’s such a great place: the food is terrific, the people are great, and the rooms at the guest house a few steps down the road are idyllic”.
Summary
Handy for communing with the spirits at Stonehenge – “Guy Manning’s foodie outpost is rather more than a pub, even if it has inexplicably lost its Michelin star this year”. Despite this slight, the food remains “outstanding” – not least the “wonderful Sunday lunch” – and the “cheery informal service” is a real delight.
Summary
“Almost the perfect village pub, but to a foodie, far more…” – this acclaimed free house, not far from Stonhenge, offers “an eclectic mix of highly skilled and imaginative cooking, plus friendly individual service in an atmosphere that veers from cosy inn to new annexe in feel, depending on your table”.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Red Lion at East Chisenbury?
Owner's description
A warm welcome awaits you at the Red Lion Freehouse in East Chisenbury, a family-owned and run pub and restaurant with rooms on the edge of Salisbury Plain, and Wiltshire’s only pub with 3 AA Rosettes. Nestled on a bending country road in a quiet rural village, the pretty thatched building is somewhat of a foodie destination, serving as a tranquil country escape for those staying in the gorgeous riverside bedrooms as well as a first-class restaurant for gourmets, regulars, locals and their dogs.
Since 2008 the Red Lion has built a strong reputation as a pub and restaurant, delivering unfussy, generously flavoured dishes ranging from bar snacks to nine-course tasting menus. The classically trained kitchen is complemented by a marvellous hand-picked bar including changing local ales, fun cocktails, homemade cordials and over 60 wines by the glass all served up by charming, knowledgeable staff. The à la carte menu changes regularly and is a mixture of refined classics and dishes influenced by the chefs’ extensive travels and foodie adventures. If you can’t make up your mind, opt for the daily five-course curation to sample the ‘greatest hits’, or take advantage of the excellent value three-course set lunch, available each weekday.
For special occasions bespoke arrangements are gladly made in the private room, an elegant wood and glass dining space, access to which is discreetly behind the bar and through the working kitchen.
In between all the eating and drinking, take time to appreciate the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that includes East Chisenbury. With endless walks, the River Avon and the simple enjoyment of Wiltshire’s bucolic countryside, there is plenty to soak up whilst having a pint in the pub garden or spending the night at Troutbeck, a beautifully converted riverside guest house across the road from the pub. Considered a boutique B&B, this hidden gem is dog-friendly and has five individually styled bedrooms, each with private decks, abundant wildlife and surrounding countryside. Many agree a night spent there is a truly blissful experience, the ‘most comfortable bed ever slept in’ and proudly deserving of the AA’s 5 Gold Star Restaurant with Rooms Award, reserved only for the highest levels of quality, cleanliness, service and hospitality.
Whether it be a pop-in for lunch or a milestone celebration, the Red Lion remains a culinary stronghold in Wiltshire, a destination restaurant, and a reliable choice for any occasion.
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £28.00 | £32.00 |  |
|
|
| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | 65.00 | Always available | 5 |
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £14.00 | £30.00 | £8.00 | £12.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
Restaurant details
The chef
Guy and Brittany Manning. 15 years in and now back firmly in control, of the kitchen...the Red Lion is better than ever!
Red Lion at East Chisenbury Restaurant Diner Reviews
"6 of us first time at the Red Lion for a 60th celebration. All tables were occupied and one down on staff but we only knew that as were told. The food was excellent, I had octopus stew to start and probably the best octopus I have had. Friendly service in relaxed atmosphere, looking forward to going back. It’s is a bit in the middle of no where so best to arrange transport in advance if not driving."
East Chisenbury, SN9 6AQ
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Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Friday | 9 am‑2 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
