Red Lion Freehouse

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.