Red Lion - Swale

Pubs, Steak, French
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Red Lion

Red Lion
4.5 / 5 (195 reviews)

Description

The Red Lion is a charming pub with lovely bar staff, amazing hospitality, and hospitable hosts. However, some unfortunate incidents involving a rude landlord and local drunks left a sour taste for some visitors. Despite this, the atmosphere is great, the service is excellent, and Ozzy the dog was warmly welcomed. Veterans were particularly appreciative of the pub's gesture of providing a free buffet and tots of rum and whiskey. The food is delicious, with options like steak and ale pie and ham egg and chips, all at reasonable prices. A great spot for a comforting meal or a drink in Sittingbourne.

Last update: 17.01.2026 from: I566VFjohns

Reservation request for Red Lion

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★ 4.5 / 5 from 195 reviews
i566vfjohns
09.11.2023

I had a night out at The Red Lion on Saturday night, with a group of friends, and the pub itself was lovely. The bar staff were amazing and did very well under very busy conditions, but at several points in the evening, a gentleman (who I was later informed was the landlord) decided to scream and shout at the bar staff, leaving them visibly shaken. My friends and I were also left sickened by the way he was talking to them. It was unfortunate, as a long awaited and overdue night out was ruined by a VERY unprofessional landlord with an obvious need to lay off the alcohol.

madwife2021
09.11.2023

We went to the Red Lion following a day trip to London. The bar staff were lovely and hospitable but a ‘local drunk’ obviously took offence to our party of four and was being rude to us and trying to intimidate us. This escalated into him verbally abusing my husband and his ‘girlfriend’ demanding that we both shake her hand. The doorwoman was completely incompetent and allowed this intimidation go on and did not try to intervene at all but instead stood by and watched these people abuse us. Would definitely not recommend a visit to this pub

lisawt2045mf
09.11.2023

We booked in to the Red lion overnight 2 brothers we’re running the bar , most hospitable. We had a bit of lunch and drinks it was amazing . The room was comfortable and it had everything you needed including mugs for hot drinks not tiny cups and saucers 1 would give it a 10 /10 . Breakfast was huge I went for continental and my husband had full english both very nice . We will definitely be back .

g2017ydpaulg
09.11.2023

Wow What a pub, great atmosphere and excellent service, thank you Simone. Ozzy my dog was made very welcome by everyone. I will be visiting this establishment more often from now on. Thank you very much for your great hospitality.

spenny193
09.11.2023

I attended the pub after the rememberance parade along with other veterans. This was the only pub in Sittingbourne who showed any gratitude to vetrans by providing a free buffet and complimentary tots of rum and whiskey. Thank you to all.

FAQ

As a visitor, you can use the WLAN of the place free of charge.

The place offers you a selection of gluten-free meals.

You can also pay for your dishes with the common credit cards.

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